GAFFNEY MAN RECEIVES 35-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR SHOOTING DEATH

A Gaffney man received a 35-year prison sentence today for shooting a man to death during an attempted hold-up.

Talvin J. Johnson, 23, pleaded guilty to murder, attempted armed robbery and first-degree burglary moments before his trial was set to begin at the Cherokee County Courthouse. Johnson shot Chauncey Lamont Wilson, 32, to death on April 16, 2007 at the Berkley Apartments, 201 Chandler Drive. A witness said Johnson wore a mask over his face when he forced his way into the home and shot the victim. Gaffney police identified Johnson as a suspect in the hours following the homicide.

During their investigation, police recovered the murder weapon, a box of ammunition and the clothes that Johnson wore during the botched robbery.

Johnson will serve every day of the prison sentence. He is not eligible for parole.

Solicitor Trey Gowdy and Assistant Solicitor Kim Leskanic prosecuted the case.