A lawsuit filed on Thursday alleges that a Greenville County deputy acted negligently when he shot and killed 66-year-old Joseph Dominic Mason during a mental health crisis on December 28, 2024. According to the lawsuit, Mason's wife, Robyn Mason, contacted 911 to report that her husband was threatening to kill himself and informed dispatch that he was struggling with alcoholism and depression.
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The suit claims that upon arrival at the Mason home on Mountain Lake Lane in Travelers Rest, Deputy Alexander Root approached without a clear plan and with his weapon drawn. He then reportedly fired 17 shots at Mason on the front porch, killing him instantly. Robyn Mason is suing Deputy Root, Greenville County, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Hobart Lewis for violations of the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as wrongful death, survival claims, and negligent hiring, training, and supervision.
Robyn Mason seeks damages for her husband's funeral expenses, loss of support and companionship, and his alleged pain and suffering before death.
An internal review by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office concluded in February 2025 that Deputy Root's actions were justified. Officials stated that Mason had been standing armed on the porch and, when ordered to get on the ground, refused and made threats towards the deputy. The sheriff’s office reported that Deputy Root perceived Mason's actions as a threat to himself and bystanders, which led to the shooting. Medical aid was provided, but Mason was pronounced dead at the hospital.