James Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Violent Crimes
In a shocking turn of events, residents of James Island, SC, have learned that a local man is headed to prison for a considerable 10 years after violating probation related to his troubling history of violence against women. Casey Lee Combs, 43, found himself in hot water yet again after a disturbing incident this year that led to his arrest and, ultimately, a stern sentence from Judge Jennifer McCoy.
The Incident: A Night of Terror
According to court records, Combs’s latest run-in with the law happened on February 17, 2024. Authorities allege that he drove to his girlfriend’s home on Landsdowne Drive and broke in, where he confronted her and a male guest. In a horrifying act of violence, Combs reportedly pistol-whipped the man and threatened to shoot the woman, pointing a firearm at her head.
After the incident, police found the male victim at a hospital suffering from a severe cut on his upper lip. The situation escalated further when officers discovered that Combs had sent a crude text message to his girlfriend immediately after the incident, accusing her of cheating on him. Surveillance footage even captured Combs leaving the scene, making it clear he was involved in the violent altercation.
Returning to Court
When the court convened on November 18, Judge McCoy reviewed the evidence and deemed that the charges from the February incident constituted a violation of Combs’s probation from a prior sentence in 2022. He had pleaded guilty to felony domestic violence back then, a serious charge prompted by accusations from three former girlfriends who reported that Combs had harassed, beaten, or strangled them.
Combs is now facing even graver repercussions, as prosecutors indicated that he could potentially face life in prison without the possibility of parole on the new charges due to South Carolina’s stringent two-strike and three-strike laws for repeat violent offenders.
A History of Violence
Originally hailing from Atlanta, Combs has a troubling history that includes a conviction for domestic violence in North Carolina in 2020. Until his latest arrest, he was contributing to his community as a stone mason. Despite the requests of prosecutors in 2022 for a significant prison sentence, he was instead placed on probation for five years, which included requirements for anger management treatment and no contact with his victims.
Looking Towards the Future
In light of his recent sentencing, Combs’s defense team, represented by attorneys Michael O’Connell and Kerry Koon, has asked the court to pause upcoming proceedings related to the February incident until Combs has served his 10-year sentence. They argue that the distance between Charleston and wherever Combs may be placed in the state prison system would interfere with their ability to prepare for a proper defense.
With Combs remaining in custody since his February arrest, there is no telling how this case will develop in the months to come. Residents of James Island are watching closely, as this chilling story unfolds and unfolds further implications for what it means to struggle with a history of violence in a community.
Conclusion
No matter what happens next, the story of Casey Lee Combs serves as a poignant reminder of the serious consequences of violence and the ongoing challenges that many individuals and families face in ensuring safety and justice. The local community hopes for healing and a path forward after such a harrowing ordeal.
