Man accused of shooting and killing parents in Richland County indicted

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – It’s been nearly two years since the tragic murders of Atlantic Beach Councilman James Dewitt and his wife Gloria Dewitt in Richland County.

You may recall that James and Gloria Dewitt, both 52, were found shot to death in their home on Greensprings Drive in Northeast Columbia.

Their son, Matthew Dewitt, 27, now faces felony charges in connection with the deaths of them and another family member in Horry County.

That was in 2022.

According to court records, Dewitt was arraigned on April 17, but at last check, he was still undergoing mental evaluations.

October would mark two years since these tragic murders and to this day police do not have a motive.

“Every time you walk past that house, you feel something. You can’t forget it because they were very loved by our neighbors,” said neighbor Sylvia Roseborough.

“I was very sad when it first happened and every time I pass that house I remember. You will always remember,” said another neighbor, who did not want to give her name.

A solemn reminder sits on the 400 block of Greensprings Drive.

“I’m hurt. I’m so hurt,” a neighbor said in October 2022.

And that pain from almost two years ago still lingers in this quiet community. This after the bodies of the couple – James and Gloria Dewitt – were found in their family home and more than 100 miles away from the body of another family member, Natasha Stevens, 52, who was found in Horry County.

Now 27-year-old Matthew Dewitt faces murder charges in both counties.

Police believe this alleged explosion started here in Richland County and then spread to Horry County.

However, according to the arrest warrants, Stevens’ body was discovered 3 hours before Dewitt’s.

Dewitt made his first appearance before a Horry County Magistrate Judge. His charges are still pending there.

It is not known when or if Dewitt will be tried for any of these crimes, that will depend on his mental evaluations.

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