(Walhalla, SC). Joshua Randall Ferguson pled guilty today in Oconee General Sessions Court to Voluntary Manslaughter for the death of Ben Cantrell in November of 2013. The Honorable Lee Alford sentenced Ferguson to 15 years in prison.
On November 15, 2013, Ben Cantrell was visiting a home on Webb Road in Seneca, SC when he, the defendant, and others began arguing. A fight occurred in the home and eventually spilled outside when people at the home tried to get Mr. Cantrell to leave. According to witnesses, as Cantrell turned to walk away from the home, Ferguson shot him. When law enforcement arrived they found the victim unresponsive lying face down outside the home. Ferguson later confessed to law enforcement.
“Ben Cantrell’s death was a terrible tragedy that should never have happened,” said Solicitor Chrissy Adams. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”