A grim discovery in a quiet RV park along Highway 418 in Fountain Inn has left the Laurens County community shaken. On the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, deputies with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a welfare check request and found two people dead inside a camper.
According to the LCSO, deputies arrived at the 5000 block of Highway 418 around 6:30 p.m. following concerns raised about the occupants of the camper who had not been seen for some time. Upon entering the recreational vehicle, authorities discovered the bodies of 46-year-old Tamara Bowling and 54-year-old Roy Lawyer, both residents of the Fountain Inn area.
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the deceased and launched an immediate investigation into the cause of death. After conducting autopsies, the coroner ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.
“Preliminary evidence and forensic results indicate this was a domestic incident that resulted in one individual fatally shooting the other before taking their own life,” said a spokesperson from the Coroner’s Office.
Welfare Check Led to Discovery
The welfare check was reportedly initiated by someone familiar with the victims who became concerned after not hearing from them for several days. Deputies have not released details about who made the call, but emphasized the importance of such community actions in situations where something may seem amiss.
“It’s always better to speak up when something feels wrong,” the Sheriff’s Office noted in a statement. “In this case, it helped us respond promptly and start our investigation.”
Authorities have confirmed that there were no signs of forced entry or struggle beyond the incident itself, and the firearm believed to have been used was recovered at the scene.
No Ongoing Threat to Public
Law enforcement officials have reassured the public that this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to community safety. As the investigation wraps up, officials say there is no indication that anyone else was involved or at risk.
“This appears to be a tragic, isolated domestic incident,” said officials from LCSO.
Local authorities are working with nearby law enforcement agencies to confirm there are no further developments or concerns tied to the deceased individuals.
Community Impact and Ongoing Support
The news has deeply impacted residents in and around the Fountain Inn community. Neighbors described the couple as private but mostly quiet. Some expressed shock and sorrow at the events.
Local support services are being offered to neighbors and community members affected by the tragedy. Mental health professionals encourage residents to reach out for support when struggling with grief, especially after unexpected deaths involving violence.
Resources like the South Carolina Department of Mental Health provide 24/7 access to crisis support, and law enforcement encourages people in abusive or high-stress domestic situations to seek help before issues escalate.
Murder-Suicide Rates and Domestic Violence
Murder-suicide cases involving domestic partners remain a serious concern in South Carolina and across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), domestic violence is a leading cause of injury and death, especially for women.
Local agencies continue to raise awareness about the warning signs of domestic abuse, including controlling behavior, threats of violence, and isolation. Law enforcement emphasizes that early intervention can prevent tragedies like the one that unfolded in Laurens County.
