Wanda Harvey, of Westminster, is headed to the South Carolina Department of Corrections for her role in a November 2022 stabbing near the Oakway Community in Oconee County after pleading guilty to Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature on Tuesday afternoon at the Oconee County Courthouse. The Honorable Scott R. Sprouse sentenced Harvey to 20 years, and required her to spend the first 15 years in the department of corrections, with the remainder of the sentence suspended to community supervision. She will not be eligible for parole as this offense is considered both violent and serious under South Carolina Law.
Oconee County officers responded to an emergency call for service on November 13, 2022, in reference to a stabbing near the corner of West Oak Highway and Snow Creek Road. Officer Brandon Cobb with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office was patrolling in the area and responded quickly to the scene. He observed a large pool of blood near the victim and heroically began life saving measures by applying pressure to the wound located on the victim’s neck to prevent further blood loss. The victim was transported by EMS to Prisma in Greenville where doctors and medical personnel were able to treat the victim.
Witnesses on scene stated to officers that an argument ensued between the Defendant and the other occupants inside a vehicle as they were driving down Westminster Highway. The Defendant became agitated during the argument and stated, “she was not afraid to die.” The Defendant then lunged towards the victim with a knife in hand, striking and injuring the victim with the knife. The other occupants intervened and pulled the Defendant off of the victim. Once the vehicle was stopped, the Defendant discarded the knife about 20 feet away from the vehicle. Law Enforcement and Investigators arrived on scene and interviewed witnesses, reviewed the physical evidence, and recovered the knife near the vehicle during their investigation. Wanda Harvey was detained and arrested on scene for her actions.
Assistant Solicitor Cory Jones prosecuted the case for the State with assistance from Victim Advocate Kim Rutz. The Defendant was represented by Joey Opperman. Solicitor Black praised the work of his team and lead Investigator Charles “Rashad” Crooks of the Oconee County Sherriff’s Office for quickly solving this case and Officer Brandon Cobb for his efforts in providing immediate life saving measures for the victim. “I am thankful today that Deputy Brandon Cobb and Oconee County and Emergency personnel responded so quickly and were able to save the life of the victim in this case” stated Solicitor Black. “Their quick action and thorough investigation allowed for justice to be served in this matter, and I pray the victim will be able to move forward from this terrible experience to have a wonderful and meaningful life.”