Allendale Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to 30 Years for Murder

Roger Brabham Sr. of Allendale pleaded guilty December 2 to the shooting death of 58 year old Patricia Albany and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Brabham entered the plea the morning his trial was scheduled to begin at the Allendale County Courthouse, avoiding jury selection. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possession of a firearm by a violent felon, receiving five years on each of those counts to be served concurrently.

The shooting occurred two days before Christmas 2023 at a home on Razor Road in Allendale. According to witnesses, Brabham and Albany were arguing when Brabham threw beer at her, then retrieved a gun from his car. When he returned he shot Albany while she was seated in a chair. Brabham had previously served time related to the death of his first wife, a fact prosecutors cited in seeking a lengthy sentence.

Hunter Swanson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office prosecuted the case and is the leader of the Solicitor’s Office Special Victims Unit. “This is effectively a life sentence for a habitually violent offender,” he said. “This verdict also serves as notice to abusers that they will be held accountable.” The Special Victims Unit is part of the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center, which coordinates community services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other crimes against vulnerable people.

Michelle Fraser, director of the Victims Services Center, noted the holiday season can intensify stress and escalate dangerous situations. “But help is available to anyone who needs it, even if they are not participating in the investigation or prosecution of a crime,” she said. The VSC serves Allendale, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties and offers immediate support and referrals.

Residents concerned about signs of danger in intimate partner relationships can review specific risk factors at dangerassessment.org. To reach the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center call 843 790 6220, email victimservices@scsolicitor14.org or visit scsolicitor14.org/victim-services-center/. The case underscores the local stakes in preventing domestic violence and the role of county resources in supporting victims and holding offenders accountable.