A family seeking answers and accountability has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Greenville County Sheriff's Office following the tragic shooting of Greenville County resident Robert Campbell in January 2024. This case raises critical questions about law enforcement procedures, the use of force, and the rights of individuals on their own property. While the claims in this lawsuit remain allegations at this stage, they underscore the importance of understanding your legal rights and having robust legal representation in times of crisis.
At Fedalei & Reid, we believe in protecting the dignity and humanity of our clients. Cases such as this remind us why relentless legal advocacy matters. Here's what we know so far about the allegations and how we stand ready to fight for justice for those in need.
A Night That Ended in Tragedy
On January 26, 2024, Robert L. Campbell, 51, was shot and killed by deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO). What followed was a harrowing series of events that have now led Campbell’s family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against GCSO, Sheriff Hobart Lewis, and four individual deputies allegedly involved in the shooting.
According to the lawsuit, the incident began just after 11 p.m. on January 26, 2024, when deputies were dispatched in response to a reported assault on Piedmont Highway. The GCSO believed Campbell was the suspect in that alleged assault. But, as the lawsuit contends, that belief was tragically mistaken.
Campbell, who lived near the location of the alleged assault, reportedly heard a commotion outside his home and saw flashlights through the darkness. Fearing trespassers, and allegedly unaware that the people outside were law enforcement officers, Campbell is said to have fired a single warning shot from a 12-gauge shotgun into the air.
What happened next escalated quickly. The lawsuit alleges that deputies, without using proper de-escalation tactics or clearly identifying themselves, opened fire in return. Campbell was reportedly struck twice and fell to the ground in front of his camper.
A Delay in Aid That Cost a Life?
The wrongful death lawsuit raises another deeply troubling allegation: that law enforcement on the scene failed to render immediate medical aid. The complaint states that it was not until approximately 25 minutes after Campbell had been shot that deputies made any attempt to communicate with him using a public address system. And it wasn’t until approximately 35 minutes post-shooting that life-saving medical aid was allegedly offered.
During that critical window, Campbell lay bleeding on the ground.
The suit further alleges that, rather than providing care, the deputies deployed a K-9 unit that “violently ripped into Mr. Campbell’s body,” dragging him by the arm while he was severely injured and in need of help.
This inaction, the lawsuit argues, contributed significantly to the fatal outcome and represents a gross failure of law enforcement's duty to preserve life, even in situations involving perceived threats.
Questions of Use of Force and Identification
Another central issue in the lawsuit is the use of force, specifically the kind and amount of force deployed by deputies during the confrontation.
According to the complaint, one deputy retrieved a personally owned AR-15-style rifle from the trunk of a vehicle and used it to shoot at Campbell, who was reportedly standing more than 60 yards away. This decision, the lawsuit claims, raises serious concerns about proportionality and protocol, particularly considering Campbell’s alleged position and actions.
Body camera footage from the scene, some of which has been released publicly, shows deputies calling out to Campbell by the wrong name. The lawsuit alleges that the officers never correctly identified themselves or properly assessed whether Campbell was, in fact, the individual they were looking for.
In fact, according to the filing, the real assault suspect was located by deputies before they made contact with Campbell, which, if proven, could significantly impact the justification for the deputies' actions.
What the Lawsuit Seeks
Filed in state court, the wrongful death suit names the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Hobart Lewis, and the four deputies involved in the shooting. It alleges:
- Negligence and gross negligence in failing to identify the correct suspect.
- Failure to follow proper de-escalation procedures, including verbal identification and communication.
- Use of excessive force, including use of high-powered firearms and K-9 deployment on an incapacitated man.
- Failure to render timely medical aid, leading to Campbell’s death.
- Violation of constitutional rights, including the right to life and due process.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the loss of Robert Campbell’s life, emotional suffering experienced by his family, and the financial burdens imposed by his death.
Who Was Robert Campbell?
Attorney Chris Fedalei, of Fedalei & Reid, speaking on behalf of Campbell’s family, described Campbell as a “God-fearing person” who “loved his family and community.” Fedalei added, “He had a good heart and would never have knowingly shot at or threatened law enforcement.”
Campbell's family has asked for the full, unedited body camera footage from the night of the incident to be released. They hope such footage will provide greater clarity and accountability regarding the series of decisions that led to their loved one’s death.
What Happens Next?
At this stage, it’s important to emphasize that all claims made in the lawsuit are allegations. While Robert Campbell was indeed shot and killed by deputies, the assertion that the death was wrongful remains to be decided in court. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment publicly on the case, citing ongoing litigation. An internal investigation reportedly cleared the deputies involved, finding their actions justified, but that determination is now being challenged.
Legal proceedings in this case are likely to take months, if not longer. During that time, the court will review evidence, hear witness testimony, and consider arguments from both sides before determining whether the allegations meet the legal threshold for wrongful death and other violations.
Why This Case Matters
The tragic events surrounding Robert Campbell’s death highlight the critical importance of accuracy, communication, and restraint in law enforcement operations. At Fedalei & Reid, we are committed to ensuring that those in power are held accountable when that power is allegedly misused or abused.
When lives are at stake, hesitation, misidentification, and the use of overwhelming force can have fatal consequences. We believe that Robert Campbell’s family deserves a full and fair hearing of the facts, and the public deserves transparency in how law enforcement responds to such high-stakes situations.
Justice Through Accountability
Wrongful death lawsuits are never filed lightly. They are an assertion that someone’s life was taken not just too soon, but unjustly. These suits are designed not only to provide a path to compensation for grieving families, but also to shine a light on procedural failings and systemic issues that must be addressed.
In this case, we are asking the courts to examine whether law enforcement's conduct met the standard of care our Constitution demands. Did officers act reasonably? Did they do everything they could to prevent loss of life? Did their decisions uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human life?
Fedalei & Reid: Fighting for the Future
Our firm remains unwavering in our commitment to criminal defense and civil justice throughout the Greenville community and beyond. We do not shy away from difficult cases or powerful opponents. Instead, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients, driven by a shared commitment to truth, justice, and equity.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of police misconduct or wrongful death, you deserve trusted legal representation. At Fedalei & Reid, we are here to listen, support, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
If you have questions about wrongful death claims, civil rights litigation, or criminal defense, contact Fedalei & Reid at our Greenville office at (864) 668-1661 or through our online form. Our experienced legal team is ready to stand with you and help you understand your rights under South Carolina law.
Chris Fedalei
Attorney, Founding Partner
Chris became a founder and partner at FR Law LLC in 2022, where he focuses on criminal law to help defend people in Greenville County and throughout upstate South Carolina. As a private attorney, Chris brings his experience as a public defender to bear to protect the individual rights and freedoms of his clients. He looks at how each case pertains to the larger criminal justice system without losing sight of the individual impact.
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