Greenwood, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Tiffany Carroll, imprisoned for involuntary manslaughter after defending herself against her abusive boyfriend, has been denied parole for the third time. The parole board’s 3-2 vote in favor of her release lacked the required supermajority. Carroll’s case has drawn significant community support, citing her transformation during incarceration, but concerns remain regarding the transparency of the board’s decision-making process.
Greenwood, South Carolina – The South Carolina parole board has denied parole for Tiffany Carroll, a mother who has been imprisoned for nearly five years for the involuntary manslaughter of her abusive boyfriend, William Jamal Johnson. This marked Carroll’s third appearance before the board on September 25, 2024, where despite strong community support and a 3-2 vote in favor of her release, she did not meet the required supermajority due to two missing votes and the absence of one board member.
Carroll, who is serving a 15-year sentence after pleading guilty to stabbing Johnson in 2017, faced significant challenges during her relationship with him, marked by a history of domestic abuse. The police were called to her home multiple times, indicating ongoing violence and tumult within her family dynamic. Priority was given to the complexities surrounding abuse and self-defense, as some experts have identified Carroll as suffering from battered woman syndrome, a condition recognized as a form of PTSD stemming from prolonged domestic violence.
Support for Carroll has been enduring since her sentencing in December 2019. Community members, including law enforcement officials and even local lawmakers, advocated for her release. Greenwood’s Police Chief and Solicitor David Stumbo were among those expressing their desire for her to be paroled, citing her reform and potential for positive contributions to society. Educational support also came from her former second-grade teacher, Mary Ann Wingard, who voiced concerns regarding Carroll’s well-being in prison.
During the parole hearing, Carroll’s attorney requested a delay, citing the need to discuss new information under attorney-client privilege that could bolster her case. This was intended to emphasize Carroll’s transformation during her time in prison, where she has maintained a clean disciplinary record and actively participated in numerous rehabilitation programs.
In an expression of commitment to help others, Carroll articulated her desire to start a nonprofit for domestic violence victims if granted parole. She expressed her plans to live with her uncle’s family and seek employment to support her five children outside prison walls.
Despite the visible support during the hearing, the two board members who voted against Carroll’s release did not provide explanations regarding their decisions. This lack of transparency has raised concerns amongst community advocates, who have previously described her situation as a miscarriage of justice. They stress that the failures in recognizing her plight reflect broader issues regarding how domestic abuse cases are treated in the judicial system.
Following this recent denial of parole, supporters expressed shock and disappointment, and lawmakers are now considering legislation that would aim to more effectively address the nuances involved in cases of domestic abuse, particularly those involving battered women syndrome. As Carroll approaches the completion of a quarter of her sentence next year, there remains hope she may again seek parole under current guidelines.
FAQ
Why was Tiffany Carroll denied parole?
Carroll was denied parole due to a 3-2 vote by the parole board in favor of her release, but she did not achieve the required supermajority because two board members voted against her and one member was absent.
What charges did Tiffany Carroll plead guilty to?
Tiffany Carroll pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for stabbing and killing her boyfriend, William Jamal Johnson, in 2017.
What support has Tiffany Carroll received from the community?
Since her sentencing, Carroll has received consistent support from the Greenwood community, law enforcement officials, and lawmakers, including Greenwood’s Police Chief and Solicitor David Stumbo, who advocated for her release.
Key Features of Tiffany Carroll’s Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Parole denied for the third time on September 25, 2024. |
| Sentence | 15 years for involuntary manslaughter. |
| Incidence Year | 2017 |
| Abusive History | Law enforcement responded to her home eight times for incidents related to domestic violence. |
| Community Support | Advocacy from local officials, lawmakers, and community members. |
| Future Plans | Intends to start a nonprofit for domestic violence victims. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 – Greenwood Mother Seeks Parole
- Wikipedia: Parole
- SC Daily Gazette – Denied Parole Again
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Law
- Fox Carolina – Greenwood Mother Up for Parole
- Google Scholar: Battered Woman Syndrome
- WPDE – Parole Denied for Tiffany Carroll
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Index Journal – 15-Year Sentence in Abuser’s Death
- Google News: Battered Women Syndrome
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
