Within the span of a week, officers from the same South Carolina police department have been responsible for fatally shooting individuals in separate incidents, as confirmed by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken charge of the investigations into these fatal shootings involving the Easley Police Department.
The first incident occurred on July 8, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Nicholas Elias Fernandez from Greer, according to the coroner’s office. Responding to multiple 911 calls reporting a man armed with a baseball bat who was making threats and shoplifting at a Tractor Supply Company store before leaving, Easley police encountered Fernandez outside a nearby residence where he was armed with an ax, as reported by SLED. During the altercation that ensued, an officer shot Fernandez, who died at the scene. The incident occurred at 752 Rolling Hills Circle, approximately a mile from the store. SLED confirmed no officers were injured during the incident.
A second shooting involving Easley police occurred on Saturday, when officers responded to a domestic violence call at 117 Scott Ave. Police reported witnessing a man entering the home after allegedly shoving a woman, causing her to hit her head. According to the police account, officers attempted to communicate with the man barricaded inside. Moments later, the man opened a door and aimed a weapon at officers, prompting at least one officer to discharge their weapon. The man, identified as 35-year-old Easley resident Daniel Scott McGoldrick, succumbed to his injuries, as determined by the coroner’s office. No additional injuries were reported from the incident, and the condition of the woman involved was not disclosed. Similar to the July 8 shooting, SLED has been requested to lead the investigation, with the coroner’s office assisting.
This marks the third shooting incident involving Easley police officers this year, following a year in 2023 without such incidents, as reported by SLED. The earlier shooting this year occurred on April 21, resulting in the death of 33-year-old Shawn Elrod inside a Walmart. Officers responded to reports of a disturbance caused by an individual armed with a hatchet, and despite efforts to de-escalate, at least one officer discharged their firearm, SLED confirmed. No officers were harmed, and no other injuries were reported in the April incident.
Statewide, law enforcement officers in South Carolina have been involved in 25 shootings in 2024, down from 43 incidents the previous year, according to SLED statistics.
