News 12 at 11, May 4, 2007

Holly Hill, SC --- A deputy, a husband, and a father is dead. Shot to death after responding to a call in Orangeburg County's Holly Hill area Saturday morning.

This cross marks the spot where an Orangeburg County deputy gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"I feel sorry for what happened to the officer and my condolences go out to his family," Linda Buras said.

Linda Buras is the mother of the man investigators said pulled the trigger to end William Howell Junior's life. A married father of three, dead while trying to protect and serve.

"I couldn't believe it. I really went into shock and like today, I still can't believe it. I'm hoping that somebody would hit me and say it's all a dream," Buras said.

Investigators said Deputy Howell responded to a domestic call at this Holly Hill home early Saturday morning. Then they say Linda's son, Derrick Buras shot the deputy and tried to run away. Investigators say then, Buras' wife Tiffany ran over her husband, killing him. Buras said her son's body was later found in a ditch, just down the road.

"I'm having a hard time dealing with it, because that was my only son," Buras said.

The community is trying to make sense of it all.

"It didn't make no sense to run over my child," Buras said.

"Between him and his wife, they should've taken it somewhere else instead of taking someone else’s innocent life," Ricky Infinger said.

Ricky Infinger on crutches, also injured after being hit by Buras' wife while he was trying to step in to help. He survived, but Linda is struggling with the fact her son did not.

"I want closure. I want to know what really happened. What caused it, and how he really died," Buras said.

The investigation into the suspect's death is being handled by SLED. Funeral arrangements for Deputy Howell have not been released at this time.