No charges after man fatally shot at family gathering in Lancaster

LANCASTER, S.C. — A man who fatally shot his uncle during a family gathering Sunday in Lancaster will not face charges in connection with his death, authorities said.

Officials with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened around 4:45 p.m. at a home on Terrace Road, where several family members were playing cards and drinking.

Deputies said witnesses told them that the resident of the home, Eric Tucker, 54, got into an argument with his nephew, Tavares Martese Brown, 27, as well as with several other people at the gathering.

Tucker followed Brown and others outside, where the argument continued, officials said.

Police said Tucker went back into the home, grabbed a knife and approached Brown.

Brown armed himself with a .38-caliber revolver that he had in his truck, officials said, and fired two shots at Tucker when he stepped toward him with the knife. Authorities said one of the shots struck Tucker.

Tucker was taken to Springs Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead, officials said.

(Tavares Martese Brown)

Deputies said they detained Brown and took him to the Lancaster County Detention Center. Both the knife and the revolver were recovered at the scene, officials said.

Authorities said Monday that Brown has been charged with carrying a pistol and that a personal recognizance bond in the amount of $10,000 has been set. He has not been charged in connection with Tucker’s death, officials said.

“We are continuing to investigate this case but do not at this time have sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Brown for the shooting death of Mr. Tucker,” Sheriff Barry Faile said. “If we uncover additional facts contrary to what we know now, we will re-evaluate our position concerning charges for Mr. Brown. This was a tragic incident among relatives and friends at what should have been a happy gathering. Our condolences are extended to Mr. Tucker’s family.”

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Mourners arrive as public pays respects to Rev. Billy Graham
• CMPD: Woman not in crosswalk when hit, killed by car on South Tryon
• Police find no evidence of shots fired after Concord Mills lockdown
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Monday forecast outlook
• President Trump to attend funeral for Rev. Billy Graham

Cox Media Group