Bluffton, SC, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Danielle Mariah Carpenter, a resident of Bluffton, has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and felony gun possession. The charges stemmed from a shooting incident at a strip club, motivated by a personal rivalry. Surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies played key roles in the conviction. This marks Carpenter’s first violent crime offense, alongside her previous drug possession convictions.
Bluffton
Danielle Mariah Carpenter, a 29-year-old resident of Bluffton, has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and felony gun possession charges related to a shooting incident at a strip club.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Circuit Court Judge Carmen Mullen at the Beaufort County Courthouse. The attempted murder charge in South Carolina carries a maximum sentence of 30 years, but Carpenter received a sentence less than that after her guilty plea.
The events leading to Carpenter’s conviction unfolded on May 8, 2021, outside the Cheetah Premier Gentlemen’s Club located on Hilton Head Island. The victim of the shooting was struck twice in the spine and was romantically involved with the same man as Carpenter, which is believed to have been a motive for the attack.
According to reports from the incident, the male companion of the victim identified Carpenter as the shooter. Witnesses stated that both were in line awaiting entry into the club when Carpenter arrived in a white SUV, exited the vehicle, and fired multiple shots.
Surveillance footage from the club confirmed the account, showing Carpenter stepping out of the SUV, brandishing a gun, and firing before quickly returning to her vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement officials apprehended Carpenter shortly after the shooting as she was driving back into Bluffton. A search of her SUV led to the discovery of a pistol in the center console, which matched shell casings found at the scene of the shooting.
This conviction marks Carpenter’s first violent crime offense in Beaufort County. Prior to this incident, she had accumulated three convictions for drug possession between 2018 and 2024.
Legal Context
The classification of attempted murder in South Carolina emphasizes the seriousness of the crime, with a significant maximum penalty. Felony gun possession carries notable implications as well, reflecting the state’s stance on illegal firearm use and related offenses.
Community Impact
The shooting incident at the Cheetah Premier Gentlemen’s Club raised concerns within the community about safety in nightlife districts. Such violent acts can have lasting effects on community perception of safety and security, particularly in establishments frequented by the public.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Danielle Mariah Carpenter serves as a strong message regarding the legal consequences of violence and gun-related offenses in South Carolina. Her imprisonment not only reflects the gravity of her actions but also highlights the ongoing issues of relationship-related violence and public safety.
FAQ
What was Danielle Carpenter sentenced for?
Danielle Carpenter was sentenced for attempted murder and felony gun possession.
What was the incident that led to her arrest?
The incident occurred on May 8, 2021, outside the Cheetah Premier Gentlemen’s Club, where Carpenter shot a victim who was in line to enter the club with her romantic rival.
What evidence was presented in court?
Evidence included surveillance footage of the shooting, eyewitness accounts, and a pistol found in Carpenter’s SUV that matched shell casings at the scene.
What is the maximum sentence for attempted murder in South Carolina?
The maximum sentence for attempted murder in South Carolina is 30 years.
Did Carpenter have any prior convictions?
Yes, Carpenter had three prior convictions for drug possession from 2018 to 2024.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Danielle Mariah Carpenter, 29 |
| Sentence for Attempted Murder | 6 years |
| Felony Gun Possession Sentence | Concurrent 5 years |
| Location of Incident | Cheetah Premier Gentlemen’s Club, Hilton Head Island |
| Evidence Presented | Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, firearm matching crime scene |
| Prior Convictions | 3 for drug possession (2018-2024) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Convenience Store Beating
Life Sentence for Nayquan Gadson in Hilton Head Murder Case
Hardeeville Man Sentenced to Life for Random Shooting
Traffic Disruptions in Hilton Head Island Due to Accidents
Bluffton Community Grieves After Shooting Incident
Hilton Head Schools Lockdown Due to Gunfire Reports
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Recent Crime Article
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- 21 Alive News: Bluffton Shooting Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
- WFFT: Bluffton Shooting Incident
- Google Search: Bluffton Shooting
- Island Packet: Crime Report
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
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.
