Man sentenced in 2020 hunting accident that killed father, daughter

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C.S.C. (WCBD) – A man has been sentenced in connection to a shooting during a hunting trip that occurred on New Year’s Day 2020, killing a father and his 9-year-old daughter.

Sean Peterson, 33, pled guilty to two counts of negligent use of a firearm while engaged in hunting, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). He was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of probation following time served.

“Peterson fired at a noise from the bushes without identifying his target,” SCDNR wrote on X. The Colleton County Coroner identified the victims of that shooting as Lauren Drawdy, 9, and Kim Drawdy, 30.

Previous reports say four hunters were attempting to move deer, also known as driving deer, on Barracada Road in Walterboro when two of them, later identified as the Drawdy’s, were shot after being mistaken for a deer.

Peterson was arrested in July 2020 for the fatal accident by the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.

“We extend our gratitude for the diligent work of our officers, investigators, assisting agencies and prosecutors in this case,” SCDNR said.