Powell pleads guilty to Murder, sentenced to 35 years
Billy Odell Powell, age 58 of Lamar, SC, pled guilty on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Darlington County General Sessions Court to the murder of Hubert “Lee” Brown (76). The charges stemmed from a January 16, 2024 incident where Billy Powell killed Hubert Lee Brown in Brown’s home on Turkey Run Lane in Darlington. Judge R. Kirk Griffin sentenced the defendant to 35 years incarceration. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Solicitor Patti Parker.
During the plea, the state presented information that the motive for the incident was burglary. After the victim was killed, he was found by a family member. The home had been ransacked, a safe breached, and items of value removed.
“Mr. Brown’s daughter had the horror of discovering her father’s body after his tragic death,” said Deputy Solicitor Parker. “This family wants justice for their loved one.”
After the victim’s family spoke during the sentencing, Solicitor Mike Burch thanked the family for their participation in the hearing. “Our senior citizens should feel safe in the homes they worked their whole lives to earn,” said Burch. “It is important that we seek justice for all crime victims, but especially the most vulnerable in our community. I am glad this violent criminal is off the streets of Darlington County.”
Murder is classified as a violent and most serious crime and the sentence will be served day-for-day. This means Powell will have to serve the entire 35 years with no parole or early release. Powell’s earliest release date will be when he is over 92 years old. The sentence will be served in a facility to be determined by the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
