South Carolina Man Convicted, Gets 30-Year Sentence in Wife’s Kentucky Killing

South Carolina Man Convicted, Gets 30-Year Sentence in Wife's Kentucky Killing

Following the discovery of human remains in a shallow grave, the South Carolina man was given a 30-year prison sentence, according to information published by Kentucky State Police.

The York County, South Carolina, police responded to many 911 calls in December 2019 alleging that 56-year-old Lawrence Florentine had mistreated his wife Nicole and had threatened to kill, burn, and bury her.

This marked the beginning of the inquiry. According to KSP, Florentine was detained twice on suspicion of domestic abuse.

The couple’s Rock Hill house was completely destroyed in a fire on May 23, 2020, which the KSP claims Lawrence started on purpose to frighten his wife.

He claimed he sent the irate texts and fire pictures because he wanted to ruin her possessions. Arson accusations are still pending in South Carolina state court, according to KSP.

According to KSP, a shallow tomb was found on Hill Cemetery Road by a groundskeeper on June 13, 2020. Nicole’s burned bones were discovered by the authorities, hidden close to a gas can.

Nicole was shot in the head, according to the authorities, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Nicole and Lawrence were driving to North and South Carolina in the days preceding the finding of her remains in Kentucky, according to KSP’s investigation.

READ ALSO: Landmark Verdict: Vietnam Sentences Truong My Lan to Death in Historic Fraud Case

Witnesses claimed to have seen Lawrence’s vehicle circling the cemetery. According to KSP, he complained about the cost of a shovel and gas car he purchased on June 11, 2020, to a clerk at a nearby hardware store.

Authorities claim that Lawrence went to Denver, Colorado, following Nicole’s death and burial, and he was apprehended there on June 23, 2020.

Lawrence was found guilty of interstate domestic violence that resulted in his wife’s death, using a firearm during a violent crime, obstructing the course of justice, and using fire to commit such crimes.

He was also sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, five years of supervision, and $5,800 in restitution.

“Nicole’s senseless murder reminds us that domestic violence can happen to anyone, and we all must work to protect and support those experiencing abuse,” Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina stated. “We hope this sentence brings closure to her loved ones as they remember Nicole.”

Reference

profile
With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.