- Victim was inspecting relative's vacant home when trap activated
- Single shotgun rigged to back door entry point
- Homeowner facing charges despite out-of-state incarceration
Authorities responded to a chilling scene in rural Calhoun County this week, where emergency crews found Jordan Dove suffering catastrophic injuries from an improvised security device. The 34-year-old Lugoff resident had reportedly entered the property to conduct routine maintenance for family members unaware of the lethal modifications.
Investigators identified a modified 12-gauge shotgun firmly mounted near the rear entrance, wired to discharge when the door opened. This crude security measure reflects growing concerns about extreme DIY defense systems in vacant properties. Sheriff Summers emphasized the particular risk to first responders: These hidden threats transform routine welfare checks into potential death traps.
Legal experts note that 28 states now have enhanced penalties for residential booby traps following a 2019 Tennessee case where firefighters sustained shrapnel injuries. Insurance industry data reveals a 140% increase in weaponized home defense claims since 2020, though most involve non-lethal deterrents like pepper spray rigs.
The current homeowner, Alfonzo Brown, remains incarcerated in Georgia on unrelated charges. Court records show three prior code violations at the Saint Matthews property, including improper electrical work. South Carolina's criminal code permits felony charges for intentional trap installations regardless of ownership status.
Regional law enforcement agencies have begun implementing new vacant property protocols after a similar 2022 incident in Alabama where a meth lab deterrent device injured narcotics officers. Recommended safety measures include:
- Mandatory database entries for unoccupied dwellings
- Thermal imaging scans prior to entry
- Collaboration with utility companies to identify inactive services
As investigations continue, community members have started a memorial fund for Dove's surviving children. The tragedy has reignited debates about rural property security norms and law enforcement safety in the post-pandemic era of increased vacant housing.