LANCASTER, S.C. — A Charlotte, N.C., man was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday, April 11, after being convicted of domestic violence in a case involving an Indian Land woman.
Judge Daniel D. Hall sentenced Peter Caponi, 52, to 10 years in the S.C. Department of Corrections following a jury trial held April 8-11 in Lancaster County General Sessions Court.
On Oct. 10, 2021, deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance in the Indian Land area of Lancaster County.
The victim reported that upon returning home from an evening out, her ex-boyfriend was lying in wait in her driveway and fired shots in the direction of the car in which she was a passenger.
Following the shots, Caponi used his vehicle to chase the car the victim was in a distance down the road before the victim was able to jump out to safety.
Thanks to an immediate response by deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Caponi was detained at a traffic stop within minutes of the 911 call. Evidence was collected, including the firearm used in the shooting and spent shell casings.
The state called this case to trial on Monday. A jury was impaneled and heard testimony from witnesses over the course of the week.
On Thursday, the jury deliberated for several hours before returning a guilty verdict on the charge of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. Caponi was found not guilty of stalking.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis and special prosecutor Luck Campbell.
“I’m proud of our team. Being a voice and an advocate forthose who are victims takes a special calling,” said 6th Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman. “I am hopeful that the victim in this case will find some closure as the case comes to an end. Too often, in domestic violence cases, we meet with victims who choose not to cooperate, which can lead to an unfavorable outcome for the state.
“This case was different and I commend those involved, both the victim and witnesses, for having the courage to come forward and stand up for what is right,” Newman said.
