COLUMBIA—A Mother’s Struggle for Justice Hits Another Roadblock
A Greenwood mother, Tiffany Janae Carroll, has once again been denied parole despite overwhelming support from her family, law enforcement, and two prominent GOP legislators. The South Carolina parole board’s 3-2 vote on Wednesday was one vote shy of the required 4-2 majority, meaning Carroll will remain in prison for killing her abuser.
Carroll, now 37, has spent nearly five years behind bars after pleading guilty but mentally ill to manslaughter for fatally stabbing her then-partner, William Jamal Johnson, in December 2019. Her application’s rejection marks the third consecutive year of denial for parole.
Approaching virtually before the parole board alongside her lawyer, state Rep. Travis Moore, Carroll faced a brief discussion. She was asked just one question: “What was the most important thing she’s learned while in prison?” Her answer reflected hope and determination.
“I will spend the rest of my days trying to help other people in the situation that I was in,” Carroll said, stressing her commitment to founding a nonprofit for domestic abuse victims. She also expressed a heartfelt apology to Johnson’s family, praying daily for their forgiveness.
The case has captured the attention of the local community, including influential supporters like police chief, solicitor, and members of the Parole Board. Supporters, including Carroll’s family, a former teacher, and the solicitor of her case, expected a different outcome this year. “Based on the high level of community support for Ms. Carroll, as well as the very unique circumstances that her case presents, the position of my office remains that Tiffany Carroll is an appropriate candidate for early release from her sentence,” Solicitor David Stumbo emphasized in his letter to the board dated July 5.
However, despite the high hopes, the board’s decision stayed unchanged. After the hearing, state Rep. John McCravy called the verdict a “miscarriage of justice in every sense of the word,” vowing to continue fighting for her release.
Background on Carroll’s Case
Carroll had been dating Johnson, a childhood friend, since 2015. The relationship turned toxic quickly; law enforcement responded to their home eight times between May 2016 and Johnson’s death in September 2017. Expert witness Dr. Lois Veronen diagnosed Carroll with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder linked to severe domestic violence by Johnson.
The events leading to the tragic incident are disputed, but it is clear that Carroll, in a moment of defense, cut and ultimately fatally stabbed Johnson after an argument turned violent. “I was trying to leave when he leaped out at me and hit me again,” Carroll told the board at her first hearing, unable to recall the exact sequence of events during the altercation.
Attempts for Parole and Community Support
During her time in prison, Carroll has maintained a commendable record, earning work credits and attending classes. Her desire to reintegrate into society is supported by detailed planning for her life post-release. Carroll’s uncle’s family would welcome her, and she has two confirmed job offers.
This year’s board included votes from Dan Wideman of Greenwood, Henry Eldridge of Fort Mill, and Kim Frederick of Surfside Beach in favor of Carroll’s parole. The opposing votes came from Reno Boyd of Greenville and Mollie DuPriest Taylor of West Columbia, with one board member absent, leaving the final vote at 3-2.
Despite this setback, the fight for Carroll’s freedom will continue. Supporters, led by McCravy, plan to pursue a rehearing and explore grounds for an appeal. “We are never going to give up,” he stressed. “This family has been through it,” added Mary Ann Wingard, Carroll’s advocate since her arrest.
As South Carolina examines its legal processes in light of this case, aspirations for change are surfacing. Plans to update state laws on battered spouse syndrome and reconsideration for pardons aim to reflect the state’s commitment to justice and rehabilitation.
The battle for Tiffany Janae Carroll’s freedom is far from over, and as the community rallies behind her, the conversation around domestic abuse and justice in South Carolina reaches new heights.
