ST. STEPHEN, S.C. — A man who fatally stabbed another man after being shot twice during an attempted armed robbery in rural Berkeley County acted in self-defense, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
After consulting with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, detectives determined the victim was legally justified in using deadly force after Harry Phillips attempted to rob him, chased him into nearby woods, shot him a second time and repeatedly struck him in the head with a handgun after running out of ammunition.
Phillips died at the scene from a stab wound to the chest. His death will be ruled a justifiable homicide, investigators said.
The investigation has now resulted in the arrest of a second person.
Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Monday that Olivia Catherine Nance, 34, of Andrews, has been charged with obstruction of justice. Detectives say additional charges are pending.
Investigators say robbery turned into fight for survival
According to investigators, the victim traveled from Georgetown County to meet his cousin, Nance, at a residence near Spring Grove Road in the St. Stephen area.
Authorities said Nance and her boyfriend, Phillips, entered the victim’s vehicle before directing him to Old Wing Road.
Once there, Phillips pulled out a handgun and attempted to rob the victim of his vehicle, investigators said.
During the confrontation, Phillips fired a shot inside the vehicle, striking the victim.
The wounded man fled into nearby woods, but Phillips chased after him while firing additional rounds, investigators said. The victim was struck a second time before Phillips caught him.
After running out of ammunition, Phillips began pistol-whipping the victim in the head, according to detectives.
Facing the continued assault, the victim pulled out a knife and stabbed Phillips once in the chest, ending the attack.
Wounded victim crawled to roadway
Despite suffering two gunshot wounds, investigators said the victim managed to make his way out of the wooded area before collapsing near Old Wing Road.
A passing motorist discovered him and called for help. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not released the victim’s identity or provided an update on his condition.
Detectives say woman fled scene
Investigators said Nance drove away from the scene in the victim’s vehicle instead of calling 911 or seeking medical assistance.
Detectives later located the vehicle hidden in a wooded area near Shulerville and determined Nance had been hiding at another residence before she was taken into custody.
She has been charged with obstruction of justice, and investigators said additional charges are expected.
Investigation remains active
Following a review of the evidence, detectives consulted with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which concluded the victim’s actions met the legal standard for self-defense.
As a result, Phillips’ death will be classified as a justifiable homicide.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division at (843) 719-4412.
