SPD: Man charged after fight at birthday party turns fatal

Jawan M. Mack, 29, of Manning, was charged with voluntary manslaughter after a fight at a December party. (Photo: Sumter Police Dept.)

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– Sumter PD says a man was charged after a fight at a birthday party in December turned fatal.

Jawan M. Mack, 29, of Manning, was charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Police say Kenneth Cooper, 49, of Sumter was rendered unconscious during a fight that began as an argument with Jawan Mack while attending a Dec. 21, 2025, birthday party at a North Guignard Drive home.

Cooper was originally taken to Prisma Health Tuomey hospital and later transferred to a Columbia hospital where he died several days later.

Investigators say based on the autopsy and information gathered during the ongoing investigation, warrants were issued last week for Mack.

Mack turned himself in to police on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and is being held at the Sumter County jail where his bond was denied on Wednesday morning, Feb. 11.

Sumter Police Department says the investigation is ongoing.