Man ‘snapped’ at courthouse after learning he was not the biological father of his wife’s child, officials say

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A man “snapped” after learning he was not the biological father of a child he had been raising, leading to a deadly shooting, authorities said.

Stephen Andrew White pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a weapon. White was sentenced to 35 years on the murder charge and to a consecutive five-year sentence on the weapon charge.

According to a press release, the fatal moment happened immediately after a child custody hearing in August 2024, during which White and Erin Lee Thomas, both 34, were present.

The case involved a child whom Thomas shared with White’s wife.

During the hearing, White learned he was not the child’s biological father. White’s attorney said, “Something inside him snapped.”

Officials said after leaving family court, White struck Thomas with his vehicle and then shot him in the courthouse parking lot.

Thomas was flown to a hospital, where he later died.

Family members described Thomas as a hardworking father dedicated to his daughter. They asked for the maximum sentence, but said no punishment would bring Thomas back.