George Ragin Jr Shooting -Suspect arrested in deadly Manning motel shooting

Authorities in Clarendon County are investigating a deadly early-morning shooting that claimed the life of a Manning man and led to the arrest of a suspect later the same day.

According to officials, 37-year-old George Antwan Ragin Jr. died after suffering a gunshot wound to the upper body. Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell confirmed his identity and stated that an autopsy is scheduled to take place this week at the Medical University of South Carolina as part of the ongoing investigation.

Deputies with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office responded around 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, to a reported shooting at the Ashburn Inn, located along the 5900 block of Alex Harvin Highway in the Rambay area. When authorities arrived, Ragin was found at the scene and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect as 57-year-old Willie Ray Nelson Jr. of Buffalo Junction, Virginia. Nelson, who was already wanted on unrelated warrants in Clarendon County, was taken into custody at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday at a residence in neighboring Williamsburg County. The arrest was made without incident with assistance from the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Nelson is currently being held at the Clarendon County Detention Center and is awaiting formal charges in connection with the shooting. Sheriff Tim Baxley confirmed that the investigation remains active, with support from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Events

• Incident Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026

• Time of Incident: Approximately 2:40 a.m.

• Location: Ashburn Inn, 5900 block of Alex Harvin Highway, Clarendon County

• Arrest Time: Approximately 1:30 p.m., same day

• Autopsy: Scheduled at Medical University of South Carolina

Disclaimer

Authorities and the family will release additional details at their sole discretion. Information in this report is based on early findings and may be updated as new facts emerge. Not all details may be fully confirmed at this time. This content is provided for general