BETHUNE, S.C. — Investigators now say a man in critical condition with a gunshot wound likely inflicted it upon himself after killing a mother of two children on Wednesday.
According to an update from the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, 21-year-old Robert Matthew Griffin Jr. is believed to have shot 20-year-old Jordan Privette before turning the gun on himself.
Investigators were first called to an address at Wateree Grove Lane in Bethune around 8:30 p.m. where they found both Griffin and Privette already shot. Investigators also found two handguns on a television stand near the front door and an AR-15 rifle on the floor.
It wasn't until Friday, however, that the sheriff's office said that Griffin is believed to be responsible for the shooting, adding that if he "was not currently on life support, we would charge him with murder," authorities said in a statement.
"Two children under the age of 2 will have to live their life out without a mother or father. It didn't have to end like this. If you are in a crisis, don't pick up a gun. Pick up a phone," Sheriff Lee Boan said.
He provided the number to the Mobiel Crisis Team, 833-364-2274, for those involved in an abusive relationship, Sistercare at 803-765-9428.
"You can also call 911 for any emergency. We are here to help you," Sheriff Boan said.
The sheriff's office shared additional information about previous incidents involving Griffin, one being a report of domestic violence and another in which he allegedly shot himself in the wrist while cleaning a newly acquired loaded handgun in Privette's car. In the latter case, which occurred in 2022, investigators said the bullet also struck Privette in the chest.
