Man in custody after church stabbing

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has one man in custody after he reportedly stabbed another man during a service at St. Paul AME Shaw Church, 1495 N. St. Paul Church Road, Wedgefield, on Sunday morning.
According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the victim, a male believed to be in his 60s, was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland to receive treatment for his injuries that are described as severe.
Billy Lewis, 65, of 5435 Byron Lane, Wedgefield, is being questioned in the incident, states the release.
Witnesses told officers that Lewis was sitting behind the victim during service in the church sanctuary about 9:20 a.m. when he suddenly stood up and began stabbing the victim. A nurse was present and rendered aid until emergency medical services arrived.
The sheriff's office has not determined a motive for the incident and the agency is unaware of any prior conflicts between the men.
The release states that Lewis does have a history of mental health issues but investigators are not aware of a history of violence.

At this time Lewis is charged with attempted murder although other charges could be filed later.

Victim’s Advocates from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office are assisting parishioners who witnessed the event.
“This is certainly a tragic event,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis. “As bad as it was, we are fortunate it was no worse. Our thoughts and prayers go out the church members as well as the victim and his family and the suspect.”