Man found guilty of killing Berkeley County woman and setting her home on fire

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A man was found guilty Friday of killing an elderly Berkeley County woman and setting her home on fire.

Berkeley County deputies were called to a home in the Pineville community in August 2022 after receiving notice of a residential fire alarm. They arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the residence.

The body of 86-year-old Essie Benekin was found inside. It was also determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Physical evidence from the scene led detectives to Shelton Romone Brown, who was discovered to have lived near Benekin. Detectives believe Brown attempted to rob Benekin and a struggle ensued.

Brown was arrested on several charges including murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree arson, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

A jury found Brown guilty of murder, arson, and burglary after hearing closing arguments on Friday, according to the solicitor’s office.