Deputy Devin Mason dies in fatal Darlington County shooting

Deputy Devin Mason dies in fatal Darlington County shooting

Fatal Darlington County shooting death of Deputy Devin Mason

The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a deputy and the suspect responsible for the ambush that took his life have both been killed. Reports indicate the incident occurred during an early morning encounter.

Local law enforcement personnel arrived at a residence on Old Timers Court in the Lamar region around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday following reports about a missing individual wanted by authorities. Inside the property, according to the sheriff’s statement, 25-year-old Cameron Dennett unexpectedly targeted responding officers. This act of aggression resulted in an officer-involved shooting.

Deputy Devin Mason, who was 27 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, Cameron Dennett, also lost his life during the confrontation. The third responding officer was transported to a local hospital, though officials reported he suffered minor injuries and was expected to make a full recovery.

Deputy Mason had recently completed his intensive field training phase, having finished his formal duties just that week. Sources indicate he had graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy earlier this year and was progressing well in his new role.

A nearby resident expressed profound sadness and respect for the family of the deceased officer, stating, “We really appreciate the sheriff and the sheriff’s department and all that they do in putting their lives on the line every day.” The neighbor added their sympathies and prayers for the family of Deputy Mason.

Sheriff Michael August issued a heartfelt statement honoring the fallen deputy. “Devin served ‘with heart and honor’ during his brief time with the department,” August shared. “Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten. He demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and professionalism.”

Investigators revealed that Cameron Dennett was being sought for charges including criminal conspiracy, forgery, and a second-degree computer crime. Crucially, authorities noted that Dennett was prohibited from possessing a firearm, a detail that may be significant to the events that transpired.

At the scene of the incident, deputies apprehended Kristen Porter, who was 28 years old at the time, for charges matching those Dennett faced. Officials stated she was booked into the Florence County Detention Center later that day.

According to warrants obtained by investigators, both Dennett and Porter were wanted by Florence County authorities for orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme. The allegations detailed how they presented stolen banking information, specifically routing and account numbers from victims, with the clear intent to defraud them. The financial losses reported included amounts ranging from $373.48 to over $1,400.

Porter is scheduled to appear before a judge for a bond hearing on Wednesday morning in Florence.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is conducting the official investigation into the incident, as is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

Sheriff August released a comprehensive statement regarding Deputy Mason’s death, providing additional context about the young officer’s career. “Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own, Deputy Devin Mason,” August wrote. “This is an incredibly sad day for Devin’s family, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community we serve.”

August detailed Mason’s professional journey, noting that he began working with the agency in 2024 and completed his training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on March 28, 2025. His recent field training had been successfully completed just one week prior to the fatal incident.

The sheriff praised Mason’s character and commitment, emphasizing that he “served the people of Darlington County with heart and honor.” August concluded the statement by asking for compassion for Mason’s family during their time of grief.