A Taylors man received a life prison sentence without parole for shooting a Spartanburg County woman to death.
Lance Antonio Brewton, 39, was found guilty of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial. Brewton shot 24-year-old Natalie Rae Niemitalo to death on Sept. 25, 2017 at her Zimmerman Road home.
When Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies arrived at Niemitalo’s home, they found the person who called 911 holding the victim in the driveway. The shooting occurred after Brewton and Niemitalo were heard arguing in a car. Niemitalo was rushed to Spartanburg Medical Center where she died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 911 caller named Brewton as the shooter and described his car. Brewton drove by the crime scene after the shooting and a Highway Patrol trooper tried to initiate a traffic stop. A chase ensued into Greenville County where Brewton wrecked and was taken into custody.
Solicitor Barry Barnette and Assistant Solicitor Jennifer Wells utilized eyewitness testimony, gunshot residue tests, forensics, law enforcement body camera video and in-car police video to prove the case.
Prior to the start of the trial, Brewton pleaded guilty to failure to stop for a blue light, escape and driving under suspension.
Brewton testified in his own defense during the trial. He claimed to be high on a mix of heroin and methamphetamine in the days leading up to the shooting.
Brewton will serve every day of Circuit Judge Derham Cole’s prison sentence. He is not eligible for parole or early release. His prior criminal record includes two convictions for strong-arm robbery, driving under the influence, resisting arrest and possession of a weapon by a felon and possession of a controlled substance.