CONWAY, S.C. — A Horry County man will spend the next three decades behind bars following a deadly shooting that took place in Conway in 2022. Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson announced that Joe Detrell Gause, 33, of Loris, pleaded guilty on Monday, August 4, 2025, to murder just one week before his trial was scheduled to begin.
The guilty plea was accepted in Horry County Circuit Court, where Judge David P. Caraker presided and sentenced Gause to 30 years in prison—the minimum sentence for murder under South Carolina law. Because murder is classified as a “violent, most serious offense” and a “day-for-day” crime, Gause will not be eligible for early release and must serve the full 30-year sentence.
Assistant Solicitors Nancy Livesay and Elizabeth Bryant prosecuted the case on behalf of the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The state’s case was built on a combination of forensic evidence, strong community support, and the cooperation of the Conway Police Department.
Details of the Crime
The fatal shooting occurred on December 11, 2022, at the Conway residence of 42-year-old Brandon Robinson. According to the investigation, Gause had followed his ex-girlfriend to Robinson’s home that night. In a calculated act of violence, Gause disguised himself as a DoorDash delivery driver and approached the front door. When Robinson came to answer, Gause fired through the door, striking Robinson no fewer than four times.
Gause then fled the scene immediately. The woman present, who had previously been in a relationship with Gause, identified him as the shooter during her 911 call and again to first responders upon their arrival. Her immediate and unwavering identification played a crucial role in Gause’s swift apprehension and the strength of the case against him.
Justice and Community Support
“This case was solved quickly due to the excellent work of the Conway Police Department and the courageous cooperation of those involved,” said Assistant Solicitor Elizabeth Bryant. “The female witness was brave in the face of tragedy, and the community stood with us throughout the prosecution.”
The victim’s family was present in court for the plea and sentencing, offering emotional statements that underscored the gravity of their loss. Prosecutors acknowledged the pain felt by the Robinson family and praised their strength and commitment throughout the judicial process.
“No sentence can ever fully heal the pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless and violent act,” Bryant added. “But we hope this outcome provides the Robinson family with some measure of peace and the assurance that justice has been served.”
A Tragic Reminder
The murder of Brandon Robinson is a tragic reminder of the devastation caused by domestic violence, jealousy, and gun-related crime. The Conway community mourns the loss of a beloved resident, while the legal system takes another step toward accountability and public safety.
As Solicitor Richardson noted, “This case is a reflection of what happens when law enforcement, prosecutors, victims’ families, and the community come together in pursuit of justice.”
Gause will remain in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Corrections and is ineligible for parole, suspended sentence, or early release.
Anyone impacted by domestic violence or stalking is encouraged to reach out for help by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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