Clarendon County, S.C. — A deadly early-morning shooting at a local motel has left a Manning man dead and led to the arrest of a Virginia suspect just hours later. The incident unfolded around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday at the Ashburn Inn along Alex Harvin Highway near Interstate 95, according to the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire at the motel and arrived to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden violence has left the quiet area shaken as investigators work to understand what happened.
The victim was later identified by Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell as 37-year-old George Ragin Jr. of Manning. His death has left family members, friends, and the local community grieving a life taken far too soon under tragic circumstances.
Following an initial investigation, deputies identified a suspect as 57-year-old Willie Ray Nelson Jr. of Buffalo Junction, Virginia. Authorities tracked him to a residence in neighboring Williamsburg County, where he was taken into custody around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Officials confirmed that Nelson was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants.
Nelson is currently being held at the Clarendon County Detention Center, with additional charges connected to the fatal shooting expected. At this time, authorities have not released details about what may have led to the incident or whether the victim and suspect knew each other prior to the shooting.
The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be crucial. As the case develops, the community mourns the loss of George Ragin Jr., hoping for answers and justice in the days ahead.