Son convicted in fatal shooting of man tied to his mother
April 14, 2026
A Richland County jury convicted James Thompson of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime on April 8. The Honorable Billy McGee presided over the trial, and sentencing is scheduled for a later date.
On Feb. 25, 2021, James Thompson went to his mother’s house with a stolen gun following an ongoing dispute with his mother and her acquaintance. Thompson knocked on the door, and his mother answered, finding him angry and enraged.
The mother’s acquaintance went outside to remove Thompson from the area when Thompson drew a gun. The man attempted to disarm Thompson, a struggle ensued, and Thompson shot him five times. He was declared dead at the hospital.
The jury deliberated for three hours before finding the defendant guilty.
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case. Assistant Solicitors Nick Fowler and Carson Anderson represented the State. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation.