Florence Ex-Deputy Faces Manslaughter Charge, Awaits Bond Hearing in Circuit Court
In the wake of a shocking incident, a former Florence County sheriff’s deputy, Treyvon Sellers, has been charged with counts of voluntary manslaughter, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and misconduct in office by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Subsequent to the charges, his bond hearing has been transferred to the Florence County Circuit Court.
The Charges
According to an affidavit from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the 29-year-old Sellers had allegedly shot an unarmed man, William Dwayne Rankin, five times, resulting in his death. This attack took place after a vehicle chase that led the deputy into the Rankin residence located on National Cemetery Road.
The affidavit further reveals that Sellers allegedly entered the residence with his unleashed K9 companion, without proper announcement. Rankin was lying unarmed on a couch while the K9 was “actively mauling” another person, Johnny Cooper. It is alleged that Sellers gave the K9 incorrect commands, neglecting to utilize the resources available to him to remove the K9 from Cooper. This negligence resulted in Cooper being mauled for 87 crucial seconds.
Unleashing The Truth
William Dwayne Rankin’s family had initially asked that the body camera footage not be released due to the grief and distress it might cause them. However, the attorney representing Rankin’s estate has confirmed that the family has now agreed to the release of the footage. The footage is described as quite graphic and disturbing, a regrettable sight to behold by the sheriff.
Sheriff TJ Joye expressed his disappointment, stating that incidents such as these were not representative of the office’s training or values. He has vowed to be held accountable for his deputies’ actions, expressing his condolences to the family, friends, and other victims involved.
Processing and The Aftermath
Treyvon Sellers was terminated from the police force on July 26, following a domestic violence charge in Darlington County. At that time, he had been on administrative leave due to his involvement in Rankin’s fatal shooting incident that took place on May 26. It will be interesting to see how this case affects law enforcement practices and procedures moving forward.
Although a date for the bond hearing in circuit court has not been decided yet, it is clear that this case will have far-reaching implications in terms of police conduct, police-community relations, and the role and implications of police bodycam footage.
