The death of Deputy Devin Mason comes just weeks after he completed his training.
A routine attempt to serve warrants turned deadly in Darlington County, South Carolina, early Tuesday morning, leaving a young deputy and the suspect dead.
Around 1:30 a.m. on Old Timers Court near Lamar, Deputy Devin Mason, 27, and another deputy arrived at a residence to serve active warrants on a wanted individual.
The suspect, identified as Cameron Ray Dennett, 25, was wanted for criminal conspiracy, two counts of forgery, and second-degree computer crimes.
As the deputies entered the home, they were ambushed by gunfire.
Authorities confirmed that Dennett, who was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, opened fire on both officers.
Deputy Mason was mortally wounded, and his partner was rushed to the hospital with injuries but remains in stable condition.
Responding deputies quickly returned fire, resulting in the death of Dennett at the scene.
Additionally, 28-year-old Kristen Porter, also present at the residence and wanted on similar charges, was arrested without injury.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the incident, which has been labeled a police-involved shooting.
Remembering Deputy Devin Mason’s Death And His Legacy
The Darlington County community is mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Devin Mason, who died after sustaining critical injuries in the ambush.
Mason, a 2017 graduate of West Florence High School, was a former football player and a respected member of the community.
Sheriff Michael August described the day as one of profound grief for the Sheriff’s Office and Mason’s loved ones. Sheriff August shared,
“Deputy Mason began his career with our agency in 2024 and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy on March 28, 2025. He successfully completed his field training just last week. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten.”
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Mason, known for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and professionalism, recently celebrated becoming a father.
He and his fiancée welcomed their first child in April 2025, adding to the heartbreak of his sudden passing.
Friends, colleagues, and community members have expressed their shock and sorrow.
Longtime friend Will Edmund described Mason as a dependable, selfless person, always ready to lend a hand, whether for a late-night road trip or a tough project. Edmund wrote in tribute,
“You put your life on the line for us every day, and I know you’ll look after us from above.”
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The WCHS Viking EndZone Club also honored Mason’s memory, calling him a model student-athlete and a remarkable person.
Deputy Mason’s death marks the first officer-involved fatal shooting in Darlington County in 2025, and the 28th such incident in South Carolina this year.
As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office, Mason’s family, and the entire Darlington County community are left to grieve a promising life lost in the line of duty.
“Rest easy, Deputy Mason,” Sheriff August said. “We have the watch from here.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He was the first police officer shot and killed in the line of duty in South Carolina in over three years.
- The incident was the 28th officer-involved shooting in South Carolina in 2025.
- Devin Mason got engaged to his fiancée, Madi Church, on December 15, 2024.
