SLOAN ELLIS: BUSINESSMAN HAD “NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO DEFEND HIMSELF”
An attorney for Allen Stephenson, the 29-year-old founder of the Southern Tide apparel company, has issued a statement in connection with a fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Whitman – which occurred on the wealthy businessman’s property outside of Greenville, S.C. last Saturday.
Here is the statement from Stephenson’s attorney, Sloan Ellis of Greenville, in its entirety …
On Saturday morning, March 19, Allen Stephenson was attacked at his home by a man who he did not know.
After repeated requests by Mr. Stephenson, the individual, later identified as Mr. Whitman, would not leave. Instead, he became hostile, and attacked Mr. Stephenson with a knife. Mr. Stephenson had no alternative but to defend himself with his shotgun.
During the incident, a witness called the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office who promptly responded. Mr. Stephenson has cooperated fully with the authorities and will continue to do so.
At this time, we have no information on Mr. Whitman or his motives.
Mr. Stephenson appreciates the many calls of concern he has received, but would appreciate everyone respecting his privacy at this time.
We will be updating our prior reporting momentarily to incorporate excerpts from this statement …
8 comments
There is another “castle” in the area off US 25 somewhere’s.
It was built in the late 1970’s early 1980’s if I recall correctly. I used to see it while ripping through the area on my “motorsikle”
It made the Greenville News a few times and had several owners (I guess no one could afford to keep it up)
I don’t think it’s the same one because I don’t recall it being on the side of Paris Mountain.
I Don’t Want A Pickle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOWGExuaP8
“Jes wanna my motorsikle”
Good ‘ol Arlo………..
I have him singing that song on one of the best damn motorcycle documentaries made (“Take It To The Limit”). The documentary also has the film of “King” Kenny Roberts riding a screaming Yamaha 750 cc two stroke road racer (converted into a dirt track bike) at a dirt track race.
Kenny is quoted as saying after he finished the race (which he won BTW): “There ain’t enough money in the world to get me back on that damn thing”
The frame wasn’t enough to cope with the power the engine put out…anyone who’s ever ridden a two stroke 500, whether street or track..know’s how frightening they can be. I can’t image what a race prepped 750 on a spindly frame with marginal brakes must be like…far worse than the famous H2 “widowmaker” I suppose.
That race with “The King” riding that beast is the stuff of legends (and the best thing about it is it’s 100% true!!!!)
There were scads of articles about that race in the motorcycle magazines back then.
I saw “The King” win the Daytona 200 the time he lapped the entire field after having trouble with the rear tire/suspension and/or frame. Kenny pulled into the pits chewed out the pit crew, got the problem corrected & went back out (he was in 16th place by then) he ran pole position lap speeds in race traffic and not only won but lapped the entire field…….
Now THAT”S RACING!!!!!
Ah yes……..”The Purple Monster”……………….
The 1972-1974 Kawasaki 750 H2 vs. the first Kawasaki Z-1 vs. the late great 1974 Norton Commando (ABSOLUTELY the best looking motorcycle ever made……..Black & Gold forever!!!!!!!!!)
Mr. Whitman was given a message from his close friends right before the attack:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjUmULa0R-8
It’s hard to believe that someone is running around and threatening people with knives in that area. It’s not Little 5 Points.