Stephen White, a South Carolina man, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Erin Lee Thomas, the biological father of his daughter. The case stemmed from White’s discovery that he was not the father of the child he had raised as his own for years, which ultimately led to a tragic and violent confrontation.
The Heartbreaking Discovery: White Learns He Isn’t the Father
In April 2026, White, 34, entered a guilty plea to charges of murder and possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison, 35 years for the murder charge and five years for firearms possession. The judge ordered that the sentences run consecutively, giving White credit for time served. His lawyer described the moment White learned he was not his daughter’s biological father as a devastating shock.
White discovered that his wife, who had an affair with Erin Lee Thomas before their marriage, had resumed the affair after their marriage and became pregnant with Thomas’ child. White’s lawyer shared that when White learned the truth, “something inside him snapped.”
The Affair and the Aftermath
White’s wife had initially confessed to her affair with Thomas before they were married, and White had forgiven her. However, he was unaware that she had rekindled the relationship with Thomas, leading to the pregnancy. The revelation shattered White, and his lawyer emphasized the emotional toll it took on him, describing it as one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure.
The Murder: A Calculated Act of Violence
The tragic events unfolded on August 12, 2024, when White intentionally ran over Thomas with his car outside the Laurens County Courthouse following a child custody hearing. After hitting Thomas, White shot him in the head. According to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Solicitor David Stumbo described the event as traumatic for everyone involved, including courthouse staff, deputies, and attorneys who witnessed the violent act. “It is tragic what we ended up seeing,” Stumbo commented in court.
Details of the Attack: A Cold and Malicious Act
The 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office released further details, revealing that after White hit Thomas with his car, Thomas was unable to escape. As he lay on the ground, White approached him with a gun. After the first shot misfired, White chambered another round and shot Thomas in the head.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that White discarded the weapon and surrendered to law enforcement shortly after the incident. Stumbo condemned the act, calling it “a calculated and deeply personal act of violence.”
Impact on the Family: A Permanent Loss for an Innocent Child
The murder not only cost Thomas his life, but it also left an innocent child without two father figures. The tragic nature of the crime deeply impacted the family, particularly the child, who lost both of the men who had been pivotal in their life. “Stephen White chose to maliciously take a life in the place that many of us come to work to serve the public every day,” Stumbo added in the release.
White’s Sentence and Legal Proceedings
Stephen White’s legal journey culminated in his sentencing on April 20, 2026, where he was handed a 40-year prison sentence for his role in the murder of Erin Lee Thomas. The emotional turmoil and devastating revelation of his daughter’s true biological parent led to an act of violence that has permanently altered the lives of all involved.
A Tragic and Violent Outcome
The case of Stephen White is a tragic example of how a single moment of devastating emotional distress can lead to irreversible consequences. While White’s actions are inexcusable, the emotional and psychological turmoil he experienced after learning the truth about his daughter’s paternity offers some understanding of the complexity of human emotions under extreme stress.
As White serves his lengthy prison sentence, the family and community are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event and its impact on an innocent child’s life.
