Dad pleads guilty in son's shooting death (Marlboro County, South Carolina)

Dad RICHARD MCDOWELL has pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in his son's shooting death.

http://www.scnow.com/scp/news/local/pee_dee/article/marlboro_county_father_pleads_guilty_in_sons_shooting_death/63605/

Marlboro County father pleads guilty in son’s shooting death
By Patricia BurkettWBTW Anchor/ Reporter
Published: July 13, 2009

A Marlboro County father has pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in the 2008 shooting death of his son, according to Fourth Circuit Solicitor Will Rogers.

The shooting happened in March of 2008, at a home on Highway 34 in Marlboro County, in the Oak Grove community.

Authorities say the son, 30-year-old Richard Anthony McDowell, and the father, 58-year-old Richard McDowell, got into an argument after both had been drinking.

Investigators say the argument escalated and McDowell Sr. shot and killed his son.

Authorities say they believe the shooting was not intentional and that it was partly the result of alcohol’s influence on the men involved.

Investigators charged McDowell Sr. with Voluntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Solicitor Rogers said McDowell Sr. pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of Involuntary Manslaughter Monday afternoon.

Rogers said McDowell Sr. was sentenced to 4 years in prison, suspended to 18 months, of which he will be given credit for the time he has already served in jail awaiting his trial.