In Their Defense: State v. Deterris Bellamy (2018)

In Their Defense is a behind-the-scenes look at some of trial lawyer Erin Bailey’s most pivotal cases—where the stakes are high, the odds are stacked, and the fight for justice is far from simple. Each feature highlights a career-defining moment that shaped her reputation as a fearless, strategic and unwavering advocate in the courtroom.

In Their Defense: State v. Deterris Bellamy (2018) | Photo by Abby Murphy Photography

The Case

In 2014, Deterris Bellamy was charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting in Loris, South Carolina. The prosecution alleged that Bellamy was responsible for the death of 28-year-old Allen Stanley, who was shot and killed in the middle of the day. Despite no direct evidence linking Bellamy to the crime, he was arrested and charged with murder—a conviction that carried the possibility of life in prison.

Bellamy maintained his innocence from the beginning. With his future on the line, he turned to defense attorney Erin Bailey, who took on the case knowing the stakes couldn't be higher. The trial would not only determine Bellamy’s fate but also test the very foundations of justice—requiring a defense that could dismantle the prosecution’s claims and expose the weaknesses in their case. 

Read more about the case in MyHorryNews.

The Trial

The State’s case hinged on circumstantial evidence and witness testimony. No physical evidence—no weapon, no DNA, no fingerprints—tied Bellamy to the shooting. Yet, the prosecution pressed forward, relying heavily on statements from witnesses whose accounts were inconsistent and, in some cases, directly contradictory. Coverage from WMBF News provides additional details.

From the start, Erin Bailey challenged the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence. She meticulously cross-examined witnesses, exposing inconsistencies in their testimonies and highlighting the lack of direct proof. Bailey argued that the State was asking the jury to fill in the gaps—to convict based on assumptions rather than facts.

In a criminal trial, the burden of proof rests on the prosecution. Bailey made sure the jury understood this fundamental principle, reminding them that speculation is not sufficient to take away a person’s freedom. Through powerful storytelling and sharp legal strategy, she reframed the case, making it clear that there was simply not enough credible evidence to support a guilty verdict. 

The Myrtle Beach Online covered the trial’s progression.

The Outcome

After an intense trial, the jury deliberated and returned a Not Guilty verdict. Bellamy walked out of the courtroom a free man, his name cleared of a charge that could have changed his life forever.

For Erin Bailey, this case was more than just a win—it was a defining moment. It reinforced her commitment to standing in the gap for her clients, ensuring that justice is not based on speculation, but on truth. The Bellamy case solidified her reputation as a fearless advocate—one who takes on the toughest cases and fights relentlessly for those in her defense. 

Why It Matters: State v. Bellamy is a testament to the power of a strong defense. It’s a reminder that every person deserves a fair trial, that assumptions should never outweigh evidence, and that the right attorney can mean the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

For Erin Bailey, this was just one of many battles fought—and won—in the courtroom. But it remains a landmark case in her career, setting the tone for the tenacity and dedication she brings to every client she defends.

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If you or a loved one are facing serious charges, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact trial lawyer Erin Bailey today to discuss your case.