South Carolina Man Sentenced To 45 Years In Fatal Shooting Of Fiancée’s Father

A South Carolina man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after fatally shooting his fiancée’s father following a domestic confrontation, prosecutors said.

Joshua Scott-Lee Butler was 26 years old at the time of the fatal shooting in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Earl David Goodwater, authorities said.

On May 13, 2023, deputies responded to the 100 block of Westminster Boulevard at approximately 10:30 p.m., police said.

The dispatch came after law enforcement received a report of a family argument that escalated into a shooting, authorities said.

Upon arrival, deputies found Goodwater suffering from a gunshot wound, officials said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident began earlier that night during a family gathering held at another location, authorities said.

Butler and his fiancée had gotten into an argument during the gathering, according to authorities.

At approximately 10 p.m., Butler and his fiancée arrived at her parents’ home in the St. James Estates neighborhood, testimony showed.

Butler struck his fiancée in the face while they were sitting in the driveway, according to trial testimony. The blow caused swelling and a cut inside her mouth.

The couple then went inside the home to retrieve their 1-year-old child, according to court testimony.

Butler’s fiancée called out to her father for help inside the residence, testimony showed. Goodwater reportedly told his daughter to leave Butler alone.

Butler then began fighting Goodwater inside the home, authorities said.

The physical confrontation between the two men eventually spilled outside into the front yard, authorities said.

Family members intervened and managed to separate the two men, according to prosecutors.

Butler had an opportunity to leave the confrontation after relatives separated them, prosecutors said. Instead, he walked to his vehicle.

Butler retrieved a 9mm handgun from the vehicle, according to prosecutors.

He then returned toward the home while several relatives, including women and children, remained outside, prosecutors said.

Butler pointed the handgun at another man’s stomach, according to courtroom testimony.

The witness testified that he raised his hands and told Butler, “I’m not afraid to die,” in an effort to draw Butler’s attention away from Goodwater and the other family members.

Butler moved past the witness and approached Goodwater near the front porch, according to testimony.

Butler placed Goodwater in a headlock while still holding the handgun, authorities said. During the struggle, he fired one round.

The bullet entered Goodwater’s right cheek just below his cheekbone, authorities said.

Goodwater likely died instantly from the gunshot wound, according to authorities.

Investigators also reported that Butler suffered a gunshot wound to his arm during the struggle involving the firearm.

After the shooting, Butler left the residence with his 4-year-old daughter, police said. He returned a short time later and was arrested.

Butler was initially charged with voluntary manslaughter and second-degree domestic violence, records show.

As investigators continued reviewing the evidence, prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury seeking a murder charge, officials said. Butler was subsequently indicted for murder.

During the trial, Butler’s fiancée testified about the argument that began at the family gathering, the alleged assault in the driveway and her father’s attempt to intervene.

Jurors also heard testimony from relatives who witnessed the confrontation outside the home, according to court records.

Prosecutors argued that Butler had already been separated from Goodwater before he chose to walk to his vehicle, arm himself and return to the confrontation.

On September 3, 2026, Butler was found guilty of murder, pointing and presenting a firearm at another person and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

The jury found Butler not guilty of second-degree domestic violence, court records show.

The court sentenced Butler to 45 years in prison for murder and five years each for possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and pointing and presenting a firearm at another person, records show. All three sentences will run concurrently, leaving Butler with a controlling sentence of 45 years in prison.

Goodwater worked as a crane operator with the South Carolina Ports Authority, and he was a husband, father of six and grandfather.