An Orangeburg County sheriff’s deputy accused of beating and shooting at his wife has turned himself in. Authorities say 42-year-old Kenneth R. Winningham surrendered to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Friday afternoon.
Deputies say Winningham’s 23-year-old wife reported that her husband beat her and shot at her in the couple’s bedroom. Investigators say the woman had bruises and complained of tenderness to her side, knee, arms and face.
The victim said her husband became mad about text messages on her phone to another man and struck her several times with closed fists to her arms and left side. She told deputies that she also fell to the floor, where Winningham kicked her several times.
According to deputies, the victim was seated on the edge of the bed when the suspect shot two rounds within close proximity of her. The victim told deputies that one round was discharged into the bed, a short distance from where she sat. She said she was unsure about what the second round hit.
Deputies were on patrol near a convenience store in Ridgeville early Wednesday morning when they were flagged down by a man. The man then asked investigators speak with the woman who appeared to be upset and was being consoled by family members.
Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said on Friday Winningham is no longer an employee of the agency.
