Man convicted of shooting woman in the head after argument

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) — A man is expected to spend two decades behind bars for shooting a woman in the head after a verbal argument in an apartment parking lot in 2023.

This week, Bernard “Berney” Garvin Jr., 35, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting at the Hilton Head Gardens apartment complex in June of that year.

Upon arrival, they reported finding a pool of blood, spent shell casings on the pavement and bullet damage on a parked minivan.

Further investigation revealed that a woman was grazed in the head by a bullet after she argued with Garvin before arriving at the complex.

Beaufort County authorities said a woman was driving her friend’s minivan and dropped her off at the complex, as she planned to ride home with a male friend who followed in his vehicle that day.

As both vehicles pulled into the parking lot, the occupants reported seeing Garvin and another woman tussling over a liquor bottle as several other people at an all-day party roamed around.

The female victim exited the vehicle and asked him why he was “beating that woman” before they started to exchange angry words.

As the man in the other vehicle tried to get the female victim to get in his car so they could leave, Garvin reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the woman in the head.

14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office spokesman Jeff Kidd said Garvin fired at least four shots.

The woman was taken to the hospital before being transferred to another hospital, where she was placed in intensive care for possible brain bleeding.

Multiple witnesses were able to identify Garvin as the shooter, and he was arrested three months later in Georgia, Beaufort County authorities said.

Garvin is said to have a criminal history dating back to 2011 that includes convictions for assault and battery, pointing and presenting a firearm, driving under suspension and parole violations.

The judge sentenced Garvin to 20 years in prison plus five years’ probation.