A Greer man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for shooting a woman.
Derrick Lorenzo Casey, 39, received a 235-month prison sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Bruce Hendricks.
On Jan. 16, 2017, Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting at 249 Sunnyglen Drive in Greer. The victim was standing in the doorway holding a rag to her lower abdomen. The rag was stained with a large amount of blood. The woman told deputies that Casey shot her. She was transported to the hospital and a law enforcement alert was issued for Casey who was driving a green Honda Accord.
The victim stated at the hospital that she heard a knock on the door and opened it thinking it was a friend. Casey shoved his way inside the house and began arguing with her. She stated that she had been in an on and off again relationship with Casey that was abusive the whole time. The victim reported she was shot with a black handgun.
Shortly after the law enforcement alert was issued, a Greer police officer spotted a car that matched the description of Casey’s vehicle. The car, which was reported stolen out of the town of Duncan, failed to stop when alerted to do so by the officer. The driver and sole occupant, later identified as Casey, attempted to flee but he was placed under arrest.
A black firearm was observed on the floorboard of stolen vehicle.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle.
Deputies recovered the black handgun with 4 unspent rounds and 1 spent round of ammunition.
Casey was indicted federally for unlawful possession of a weapon after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Greer Police Department.
“Mr. Casey has a prior criminal history for violence against women with three prior convictions for domestic violence along with at least two prior convictions for gun related offenses,” Solicitor Barry Barnette said. “I had people like him in mind when I partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to start Operation Home Front, a collaboration to fight domestic violence and other gun-related offenses.
“Our partnership is saving lives and making Spartanburg County a safer place to live,” Barnette said.
Under this federal sentence, Casey will not be eligible for parole.
Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Jennifer Wells prosecuted Casey in federal court as part of a dual commission connected to Operation Home Front.