BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–In an effort to defend her husband, deputies say a woman won’t faces charges after shooting and killing the man who attacked him.
On August 15, 2017 the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 100-hundred block of Meese Road in Ladson regarding a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies found one person dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
The deceased was later identified as 23-year-old Zachary D’Avanzo of Shore Pine Road in Ladson.
During this investigation and before a final decision was made, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office consulted with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. This review included a thorough review of all of the known physical, trace, electronic evidence, witness statements and photographs.
“After reviewing the case and all available evidence, it was determined that this incident, however tragic, is not a prosecutable case under South Carolina law as the evidence was not sufficient to disprove the claims of self-defense,” stated Chief Mike Cochran.
According to deputies, the investigation showed that shortly before he was shot, D’Avanzo and Dwayne Sweatman, Jr. had been involved in a physical altercation.
Breannie Sweatman was inside the nearby residence when she heard the commotion and saw her husband, Dwayne Sweatman, Jr., over overpowered by D’Avanzo. In fear for her husband’s life, deputies say Breannie Sweatman armed herself with a rifle and shot D’Avanzo multiple times.
D’Avanzo died at the scene prior to the arrival of the deputies.
“The Solicitor’s Office has expressed support for this decision and we thank them for their assistance with this complex case,” stated Cochran.
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