Venson Jones told his mother in late October that he was going to use a hammer to kill his estranged wife, Wanda Badger, who was also the mother of his four children. Bettie Newton knew her son was capable of the act, as Jones had just been released from federal prison.
The next day Jones asked his mother for a hammer, but she refused. However, Newton’s husband—who was unaware of the threats—gave Jones the tool. A short time later, Badger was sitting in her car when Jones attacked, striking her in the head. Newton, who lives nearby, saw the incident and went for her gun.
As she approached her son he turned and charged, leaving her no choice but to fire. Jones, who sustained wounds to his abdomen, was transported to the hospital, as was Badger, who received treatment for several defensive wounds. Barnwell police said Newton will not be charged, as she acted in self-defense.
