Nephew Killed by Uncle's Booby Trap Meant for Cops

A South Carolina man was shot and killed Feb. 24, 2025, after accidentally setting off a shotgun trap while checking on an empty family home in Saint Matthews, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office said.

Fatal Gunshot Wounds

Jordan Dove, 34, from Lugoff, South Carolina, was found with gunshot wounds when police arrived at a house on Chickadee Circle in Saint Matthews, South Carolina. Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers shared this information in a news release on Facebook:

Dove was taken to the hospital by the Calhoun County Emergency Medical Service but "ultimately succumbed to his injury," according to the release, as reported by PEOPLE. Summers explained that Dove was checking on an empty house that belonged to a family member when he was shot. "Upon getting on scene, it was determined very quickly that the discharge of the firearm came from inside the residence," Summers said in the release.

'Rigged' Shotgun

Because deputies thought the property might be booby-trapped, they carefully entered. They found a shotgun "rigged at the back door" to go off if anyone tried to enter, Summers said, according to PEOPLE. Police were able to safely disable the trap before continuing to check the scene. The front door was blocked, and there were no other people inside, according to authorities.

"This was a very dangerous situation that appeared to be targeted towards law enforcement," Summers added, as reported by PEOPLE. "It is yet another example of the dangers faced by law enforcement every day." Authorities believe the incident was an isolated event, and there is no danger to the public at this time.

Suspected in Other Shootings

The homeowner, Alfonzo Brown, 66, is expected to face charges. Brown, who was Dove's uncle, wasn't home during the incident because he is currently facing charges for allegedly trying to kill a "different nephew and two other people" in Maryland, as reported by PEOPLE.

On Jan. 11, 2025, Prince George's County Police went to the 8800 block of Clayton Lane in Clinton, Maryland, where they found two men and one woman who had been shot. Police listed Brown as a person of interest in the triple shooting, which was not fatal. The people who were shot were also members of Brown's family.

Because of this prior incident, Summers said, "We think he probably just booby-trapped the house, he knew he would be on the run," according to PEOPLE. "He knew that he would be tracked back to Calhoun County and then of course we go there with probably a search warrant," Summers said, as reported by WLTX.

Brown is being held without bail in Prince George's County, Maryland, awaiting his next court hearing. He faces 20 charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, assault, and reckless endangerment.

This situation highlights the serious risks law enforcement and the public face when dealing with dangerous situations. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to ensure justice is served. Brown's upcoming court hearing will determine the next steps in the case, but for now, the community can be reassured there is no ongoing threat.

References: Man Shot Dead While Entering Family Member's Booby-Trapped Home: Police | South Carolina Man Shot Dead While Entering Booby-Trapped Home: Police | Man's Nephew Killed by Booby Trapped House in South Carolina, Sheriff Says | Maryland Man Arrested for Allegedly Booby Trapping Home, Killing His Nephew, Shooting 3 Others