Judge revokes bond for man charged in 2021 shootings that killed 2 women in Seabrook
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A man accused in a 2021 shooting that killed two women was back in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center on Wednesday after his bond was revoked, court and jail records show.
Dionte Mitchell, 22, of Seabrook, was charged with possession of a weapon in the commission of a violent crime and two counts of murder in a shooting that resulted in the deaths of Flora Mae Gantt, 74, of Walterboro, and Shaina Mulligan, 30, of Beaufort.
On June 8, officials from the U.S. Marshal’s Office found Mitchell in Queens, New York, and extradited him to Beaufort County after a months-long search. On July 28, Mitchell was granted a bond given he follow certain rules set by a judge that included barring him from possessing firearms and contacting the victims’ families. Mitchell was also given a curfew and told to stay home from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., court records show.
Mitchell had been released on $100,000 bond each for the two murder charges, and $50,000 for the weapons charges.
The reason for revoking Mitchell’s bond was not immediately available Wednesday.
Juan Tolley, an attorney for Mitchell, could not immediately be reached for comment.
A “dispute,” and later a shooting, broke out at a party on Dec. 4 around 11 p.m. at a home on Detour Road, according to previous reporting by the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. Two women, Gantt and Mulligan, had been shot. Gantt, 74, was pronounced dead at the scene while Mulligan died on her way to the hospital.
Mitchell was identified to police by witnesses at the party as being involved and “had left the scene,” after the shooting, according to previous reporting. He was not immediately charged by police following his own interviews with investigators but later “could not be located,” police said in an alert at the time of their search for him.
Families of the women remembered the mothers for their kindness and loyalty.
Eugene Tolbert, a speaker at a celebration of life ceremony for Mulligan, said she would be deeply missed.
“That girl was there for anybody, her loyalty ran deep,” Tolbert said.
Gantt’s youngest daughter, Regina Gantt, previously told the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette her mother was a loving and gentle person.
“My mom was a sweet lady, always helping others and the community,” Gantt said. “She was into the church. She made it her best to be there for others.”
Mitchell is still awaiting trial on the murder and weapons charges.
This story was originally published February 22, 2023 at 12:39 PM.
