Robert Payton Obituary, Death; – The Jasper County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the individual who was allegedly shot and killed while attempting to carjack an armed resident in downtown Hardeeville. Robert Payton, aged 34, was declared deceased following the incident that occurred in a motel parking lot on the night of March 23, as stated by Jasper County Coroner Jeremiah Vaigneur III. The coroner did not have any record of the deceased’s hometown.
In a phone conversation on Monday, Hardeeville Chief of Police Sam Woodward indicated that the investigation had not yet been handed over to the Solicitor’s Office, which would ultimately decide on any potential charges. However, Woodward expressed his belief that the homicide would likely be classified as self-defense. At approximately 9:40 p.m. on March 23, officers from the Hardeeville Police Department were alerted to an armed suspect who attempted to carjack a DoorDash delivery driver before fleeing on foot towards Whyte Hardee Boulevard.
This suspect, later identified as Payton, reportedly discharged several rounds near the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites while en route to his next alleged carjacking. Outside the Friendship Inn & Studios, Payton aimed his weapon at a vehicle’s driver and fired at least once, according to Woodward. The driver reportedly returned fire, hitting the suspected carjacker at least three times.
Payton was pronounced dead at the scene after officers from Hardeeville attempted to administer life-saving measures, as noted by Woodward. As of Monday afternoon, no obituary or details regarding funeral arrangements for Payton were publicly available.
