A Florence County man charged with murdering his wife apparently shot himself Sunday afternoon and remains hospitalized under guard, Sheriff T.J. Joye said Monday.

Marty Coward, 55, of Johnsonville faces murder charges in the death of his wife, Lori Coward, 54, according to Florence County Sheriff’s Office records. He is being held at the Florence County Detention Center.

Joye told reporters that investigators believe Coward shot himself after killing his wife, though the sheriff declined to release details about the timeline of events or the location where the shootings occurred.

“We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding both shootings,” Joye said. “The case remains active.”

The incident adds to a troubling pattern of domestic violence cases across South Carolina, where state lawmakers have grappled with legislation aimed at preventing intimate partner homicides. The state consistently ranks among the worst nationally for women killed by men.

Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken has not released Lori Coward’s cause of death, citing the ongoing investigation. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

Court records show no prior domestic violence charges filed against Marty Coward in Florence County, though investigators said they are reviewing any previous calls to the couple’s Johnsonville address.

Johnsonville, a town of roughly 1,500 residents, sits about 130 miles northeast of Charleston in Florence County’s rural northeastern corner. The community has seen little violent crime in recent years, making Sunday’s incident particularly shocking for residents.

“This is not something we typically see here,” said Johnsonville Police Chief Robert Graham. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.”

The shooting comes as law enforcement agencies statewide have reported increases in domestic violence calls since 2020. Charleston County saw domestic violence incidents rise 12% between 2020 and 2023, according to data compiled for Charleston’s 2025 Flooding Report Card Shows Another Historically Bad Year, which tracked various public safety metrics.

South Carolina lawmakers passed legislation in 2015 aimed at preventing domestic violence homicides by expanding background check requirements for gun purchases and creating specialized domestic violence courts. However, advocates say enforcement remains inconsistent across the state’s 46 counties.

“Every domestic violence homicide represents a failure of our systems to protect victims,” said Carol Burdette, executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. “We have the tools, but we need consistent application.”

Florence County operates a domestic violence court that handles protective orders and related criminal cases. The county also contracts with Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to provide victim services.

Marty Coward remained hospitalized Monday under guard by Florence County deputies. Joye said Coward’s condition was stable but declined to specify his injuries or which hospital was treating him.

Investigators have not released information about what led to the shooting or whether neighbors or family members called police. The Sheriff’s Office said it expects to release additional details once Coward is formally booked and makes his first court appearance.

Lori Coward’s family could not be reached for comment Monday. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Florence County Solicitor Ed Clements said his office will review the case once investigators complete their work. Murder charges in South Carolina carry a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

The case highlights ongoing challenges facing rural law enforcement agencies that often lack specialized domestic violence units found in larger jurisdictions. Florence County Sheriff’s Office has 98 sworn deputies covering 804 square miles.

“Rural agencies face unique challenges in responding to domestic violence because of geography and limited resources,” said Pete O’Boyle, executive director of the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association. “Training and coordination with victim advocates becomes even more critical.”

State records show Florence County reported 847 domestic violence incidents in 2023, down from 923 in 2022. However, advocates caution that rural areas often see underreporting due to isolation and limited access to services.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the case to call 843-665-2121. The Pee Dee Coalition’s 24-hour crisis line is available at 843-669-4694.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The service provides confidential support and safety planning.

Joye said his department expects to present the case to Clements’ office by the end of the week, pending completion of forensic analysis and additional interviews with family members and neighbors.