PRESS RELEASE
March 16, 2015

FCSO Investigates Homicide at Local Motel


SUSPECT: Cedric Brandon Robinson, age 22, of 2645 Memory Lane, Florence, SC 29505 was arrested by Investigators with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office on March 15, 2015 and charged with Murder (S.C. Code Section 16-03-10, 20), Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime (S.C. Code Section 16-23-490), Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon (S.C. Code Section 16-23-500(A)), and Receiving Stolen Goods (S.C. Code Section 16-13-180(A)). See FCSO Booking Website for additional details.

NARRATIVE: Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call yesterday, March 15, 2015 at approximately 12:38 PM of a shooting at a motel located at 1914 West Lucas Street, Florence, SC. Upon arrival at the Suburban Extended Stay Inn a short time later, it was determined that one victim had been shot. Florence County EMS was immediately called to transport the victim to an area hospital. According to witnesses, after a brief altercation with the victim, multiple shots were fired and the shooter, who was identified by name, fled the scene toward another motel. A short time later, the suspect, Cedric Branson Robinson was located by FCSO deputies and taken into custody along with a handgun believed to be used in the altercation. The handgun is reported to have been stolen.

The victim, Raheem Deamarge Hawkins, age 21 from Darlington, SC was pronounced dead by Florence County Coroner, Keith Von Lutcken at the hospital.

Robinson is charged with one count of Murder, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon and Receiving Stolen Goods. Robinson may make an initial appearance later today before a Florence County Magistrate, and will likely appear before a Circuit Court Judge for a bond hearing on the Murder charge.

The incident remains under investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and additional charges may be filed.

Florence County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Florence Police Department for its assistance in the aftermath of this incident.

END

Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.