close
close
  • February 18, 2025
Witness abruptly leaves the stand during trial of Upstate murder suspect claiming self-defense

Witness abruptly leaves the stand during trial of Upstate murder suspect claiming self-defense

PICKENS COUNTY, SC (FOX Carolina) – A man charged with murder in Pickens County claims he acted in self-defense.

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said Wyatt Short was shot outside his home in Central in April 2023 after an argument with an acquaintance.

Wyatt Short, 22, was killed Saturday after an argument during a shooting in Pickens County,...
Wyatt Short, 22, was killed after an argument during a shooting in Pickens County on Saturday, April 22, 2023.(Viewer Submission)

Officers identified, arrested and charged the acquaintance, Wyatt Pelfrey, with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Pelfrey was only 17 years old at the time of the shooting.

On Tuesday, Pelfrey appeared in court for a hearing. He and his defense team argued that he acted in self-defense during the shooting.

One of the witnesses called to the stand grew up with both Short and Pelfrey. When asked about Short’s mentality before he died, the witness said he thought Short liked to fight and that he would actively try to avoid conflict with Short if he could.

Wyatt Anthony Scott Pelfrey
Wyatt Anthony Scott Pelfrey(Pickens County Sheriff’s Office)

The state walked back the witness’s testimony, focusing on the fact that he did not witness what happened the night of the shooting.

Pelfrey’s girlfriend also took the stand during the hearing.

The state questioned the differences between what she said in court and what they say she previously claimed in a written statement.

At one point, the murder suspect’s girlfriend got up from the stand and tried to leave the courtroom before she was apprehended.

The hearing will continue on Wednesday morning.

Stay tuned as we work to give you the first warning of what’s coming out of court.

MORE NEWS: Murdaugh files appeal of double murder conviction in SC Supreme Court