On Sunday night, January 11, 2026, tragedy struck Florence, South Carolina, when a violent domestic incident escalated into a deadly shooting along the 6900 block of Dupont Circle. According to Florence County Sheriff T. J. Joye, deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the area and discovered a scene that revealed the devastating consequences of a failed murder‑suicide attempt.
Authorities confirmed that 54‑year‑old Lori Coward was killed by her husband, 55‑year‑old Marty Coward of Johnsonville, who is now charged with murder in connection with her death. Investigators say Lori was found inside a vehicle on Dupont Drive near East Palmetto Street, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the rapid arrival of deputies, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office explained that the shooting unfolded as part of a domestic dispute that spiraled into violence. Marty Coward allegedly opened fire on his wife before turning the weapon on himself in an apparent attempt to take his own life. The murder‑suicide attempt failed, leaving Lori fatally wounded and Marty alive to face charges.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing law enforcement quickly swarm the neighborhood. The incident left residents shaken, as the quiet of a Sunday evening was shattered by the sound of gunfire and the sight of flashing lights. Deputies worked to secure the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that domestic violence remains a persistent and tragic issue in the community. The fact that the shooting occurred in a public space, outside a vehicle near a busy intersection, underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of such disputes.
For Lori’s family and loved ones, the loss is immeasurable. What began as a routine evening ended in heartbreak, leaving them to grapple with the sudden and violent death of a wife, mother, and friend. As the investigation continues, Marty Coward remains in custody, and the community mourns Lori Coward while confronting the painful reality of domestic violence that claimed her life.