Sherman Devine Boone, a 29-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and after a conviction for criminal domestic violence.
According to evidence presented during the investigation, deputies from Richland County responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in Columbia. Upon arrival, they encountered Boone attempting to leave the scene with a child. The child's mother was asking Boone to return the child. Deputies observed that Boone had a firearm visible in his waistband. Boone moved toward the deputies while holding the child and repeatedly said, “go ahead and shoot me” and “just kill me.” He later handed the child over to the mother and surrendered to authorities.
Investigators learned from the child's mother that she and Boone had argued, during which he pushed her and grabbed her by the throat. After being removed from the house, Boone reportedly drew his firearm and fired several rounds into the air while making threats.
Boone's criminal history includes convictions for use of a vehicle without permission, grand larceny, common law robbery, strong arm robbery, assault and battery, and criminal domestic violence. As a result of these prior convictions, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon imposed a sentence of 57 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release on both counts; these terms will be served concurrently. There is no parole available in federal cases.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021 that focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, prioritizing targeted enforcement efforts, and evaluating outcomes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is handling prosecution.
“Go ahead and shoot me” and “just kill me,” said Sherman Devine Boone according to deputies present at the scene.
