Attorney for Man Accused of Double Murder, Illegal Gambling Operation, Motions for “Stand Your Ground” Defense

Dave Fedor, the attorney for the notorious Brett Parker, has invoked South Carolina’s “stand your ground” defense in Parker’s murder case.

Parker has been accused of murdering his wife, Tammy Parker, as well as one of his illegal gambling ring employees, Bryan Capnerhurst, in the Parkers’ upscale Irmo home in April 2012. Parker stated that Capnerhurst, who arrived at the home to collect over $20,000 in gambling debt, shot Parker’s wife with a gun he found in the home, which was registered to Parker. He then turned on Parker, but Parker managed to find another gun and shot Capnerhurst.

South Carolina is one of a few states with a unique law, often referred to as the “stand your ground” defense. The law is called South Carolina’s Protection of Persons and Property Act, and allows home owners to use guns in defense of themselves, their families, and their property.

“A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in another place where he has a right to be, including, but not limited to, his place of business, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or another person or to prevent the commission of a violent crime as defined in Section 16-1-60.”

Prosecutors, however, say that cell phone records, surveillance footage, and forensic testing do not back up Parker’s story. They believe that Parker owed a great deal of money related to his illegal gambling operation, and murdered his wife in order to collect her $1 million life insurance policy.

In February of this year, a second illegal gambling ring in Lexington, run by a man who helped Parker start his Richland County business, was uncovered. Lanny Ray Gunter, 43, was sentenced to 5 years in prison with 5 years’ probation, and his accomplices Harry Bruce Benenhaley, 66, and Ronald Dale Spence, 61, each sentenced to 5 years’ probation. Gunter’s sentence, however, was reduced because he cooperated with authorities during the investigation of the Parker murder case. He said that Parker told him about an affair, and said that he wanted to end his marriage for four months before his wife and Capnherhurst were killed.

Parker has been charged with two counts of murder. If he is not released on the “stand your ground” act, then he could face a life sentence or the death penalty. However, since Fedor has filed the motion, the trial will be delayed – it was originally scheduled to start on May 6. The judge will hear the appeal, and the subsequent ruling could be heard by the state Supreme Court.

The Strom Law Firm Defends Against State and Federal Criminal Charges, Including Illegal Gambling Rings

Our firm was founded by Pete Strom, the former US Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He, along with his team of attorneys, will zealously represent you in any state or federalcourt in South Carolina against criminal charges, including illegal gambling. Don’t miss out on your one opportunity to protect your rights and maintain your freedom. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have over 30 years of experience collectively. We offer free, confidential consultations. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800.