News Summary
A Hilton Head man, Moses Young III, has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of his sister’s boyfriend, Anthony Keith Chapman, during a domestic dispute. The incident, which occurred in March 2024, involved Young shooting Chapman after claiming he was defending his sister. Despite the self-defense claim, prosecutors deemed the circumstances unjustified. Young received a partially suspended sentence and will serve two years of probation following his prison term, while both families and the community cope with the aftermath.
Hilton Head Man Sentenced to Nearly Seven Years for Voluntary Manslaughter
A Hilton Head man has been sentenced to just under seven years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of his sister’s boyfriend during a domestic dispute. Moses Young III, 35, pleaded guilty to the charges, following an event that left 37-year-old Anthony Keith Chapman dead.
The sentencing took place on May 13, 2024, at the Beaufort County Courthouse, before Circuit Court Judge Marvin H. Dukes II. Young received a partially suspended sentence of eight years, which will be followed by two years of probation. Since he had already spent 439 days in Beaufort County jail, this time was credited, resulting in an effective prison term of nearly seven years.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of March 1, 2024, around 3 a.m., when Young shot Chapman, who was visiting Hilton Head from suburban Chicago. Young claimed that he acted in defense of his sister, who was allegedly being physically assaulted. However, prosecutors argued that the circumstances did not justify self-defense claims.
At the scene, officers found Chapman’s body covered by a tarp near an exterior wall of the home. He had a single gunshot wound to his left cheek and was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage captured audio of the incident, including the assault and the gunfire. A witness described Chapman as having been verbally aggressive before the shooting occurred.
Legal Proceedings
Initially, Young faced a murder charge, which could have resulted in a minimum of 30 years in prison or even the death penalty. His public defender indicated that a plea deal was recommended due to the complex nature of the case. Assistant Solicitor Jared Shedd noted that the details complicated the case for a jury, highlighting it as an example of “imperfect self-defense.”
After the shooting, Young was arrested at the scene when he attempted to conceal Chapman’s body and dissuade others from contacting the police. Authorities discovered the .40-caliber Taurus pistol used in the shooting in Young’s vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Savannah. Young had no previous violent crime accusations but had convictions for minor offenses.
Victim and Family Response
During the proceedings, Young’s sister stated that she had not been injured in the incident and expressed that she felt her brother’s reaction was unwarranted. This aspect of the case adds a layer of complexity regarding the motivations behind Young’s actions.
Following the verdict, Young was booked into the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he will serve his sentence for the violence that occurred, which has left both families and the community grappling with the consequences of that fateful morning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragedy Strikes in Hopkins, South Carolina: Teenager Loses Life in Accidental Shooting
Teen Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years for Accidental Shooting
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Wikipedia: Manslaughter
- Live 5 News: Deputies Make Arrest
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Shooting
- ABC News 4: Shooting Suspect Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime
- WTOC: Man in Custody After Fatal Shooting
- Google News: Shooting in Hilton Head Island
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
