Darlington Deputy Honored After Deadly Ambush; Public Viewing Scheduled

DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – The body of Deputy Devin Mason, a 27-year-old Darlington County officer killed in a deadly ambush earlier this week, will lie in honor at the Darlington County Courthouse on Monday, giving the public an opportunity to pay their respects before his funeral.

The viewing will take place in the courthouse rotunda at 110 N. Main Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, according to Coroner Todd Hardee.

Mason will be laid to rest Tuesday in his hometown of Fair Bluff, North Carolina, following a private family service.

Killed in the Line of Duty

Deputy Mason was shot and killed around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning during what officials described as an ambush inside a mobile home on Old Timers Court near Lamar. Mason and another deputy had entered the home while searching for a suspect wanted on criminal conspiracy and forgery charges.

The second deputy was also shot but has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, authorities said.

The suspect, 25-year-old Cameron Ray Dennett, was also killed during the incident. A 28-year-old woman, Kristen Porter, was arrested at the scene and charged in connection with the case. She has since been released from the Florence County Detention Center on $16,000 bond.

Honoring Deputy Mason’s Service

Mason had just completed his field training and joined the sheriff’s office three months earlier. He leaves behind a 2-month-old son, a fiancée, and his mother and stepfather.

In the wake of the tragedy, the nonprofit Serve & Connect, along with law enforcement associations across the state, launched a fundraiser to support Mason’s family. As of Friday, the initiative has raised more than $15,000.

“He served with heart, courage, and integrity. His impact will never be forgotten,” wrote Serve & Connect in a statement.

Historical Significance and Statewide Impact

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Mason is the second Darlington County Sheriff’s Office officer killed in the line of duty. The first was Sheriff Alton Grinnell, who died in a car crash in 1945.

This tragedy marks the 28th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year, and the first in Darlington County, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, which is leading the investigation.

Were you impacted by Deputy Mason’s service or this tragic event? Share your story, tribute, or message of support at saludastandard-sentinel.com — let’s honor our heroes together.