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Tiffany Souers’ Murderer Had Only Been Out of Prison for 9 Months

Jerry “Buck” Inman strangled her with her own bikini top

By Kassondra O'HaraPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Jerry “Buck” Inman (left) murdered Tiffany Marie Souers (right) in her apartment

Tiffany Souers was a 20-year-old student at Clemson University. She was consistently selfless and volunteered on a regular basis. She was known for her assistance with programs that helped to feed the homeless, counseling high-risk and in-crisis teens, and spending time with nursing home residents. The only thing she loved more than being around people was helping them.

Only three days before her death, she had signed up for a prison ministry group, in which she would write letters to the inmates and bake them goodies. She believed that everyone deserves a second chance. Jerry “Buck” Inman however, never gave her a chance. He never saw her compassionate heart, he only saw her as a target.

The Makings of a Monster

Jerry “Buck” Inman was sexually abused as a child by his alcoholic father. He received no protection from his mother who was a paranoid schizophrenic and had frequent, violent mood swings. Inman began doing drugs to cope with his home life at just 10 years old and mostly lived on the streets during his teenage years. At 17, after being convicted for the rape of a Tampa woman, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison, where he then raped a male inmate.

Once he was released from prison, even with his sex-offender status, he visited college campuses with the singular mission of finding women to sexually assault. In May 2006, in Clemson, SC he found his target, civil engineering student, Tiffany Marie Souers.

“Tiffany Was an Example To Young People” — Bren Souers, Tiffany’s Mother

Tiffany Souers

Just nine months after his release from prison, 37-year-old Inman followed Tiffany to her off-campus apartment. Around 1 a.m., when he believed she was asleep, he broke into the apartment and attacked Tiffany. When she tried to defend herself, he tied her hands and raped her. Then, using Tiffany’s own bikini top, Inman strangled her to death. Tiffany’s lifeless, partially nude body was found by her roommate the next afternoon.

Inman was arrested in Tennessee near his parents’ home in June 2006 after his DNA, which was already on file, matched DNA found at the apartment. During the investigation, Inman admitted to killing Tiffany and even provided handwritten confessions. He said he bound and strangled her and that he “knew Tiffany was dead because she stopped struggling.”

In August 2008, Inman plead guilty to murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree burglary, and kidnapping in a Pickens County, SC courtroom. Inman also faced charges in Alabama for attempted rape and in Tennessee for rape after attacking the two women in their homes, just days before he murdered Tiffany.

The Self-Proclaimed “Animal”

Surprisingly, during the initial trial, Inman requested to go ahead and skip to the sentencing phase and insisted that he be given the death penalty. He pressed that he was an “animal” who could not be rehabilitated. Inman’s attorneys argued that their client should receive life in prison as he suffered from psychological problems and felt extreme guilt for his crimes. Inman disagreed, informing Circuit Court Judge, Edward Miller:

“I’ve shown by my actions both in and out of prison that I cannot be rehabilitated. I don’t say any of this to be disrespectful, but your honor, in all reality, there’s really only one sentence appropriate for someone like me, and I ask you to impose that sentence.”

At the time, under South Carolina law, those who plead guilty were sentenced by judges. It was apparent that the Judge agreed with Inman and sentenced him to the death penalty.

Jerry “Buck” Inman

It seemed as though the case was closed. Inman would be executed, and Tiffany’s family would be able to move on with their lives and hopefully find solace that justice was served.

Has Justice Been Served?

However, in May 2020, a South Carolina judge ordered a new sentencing hearing to take place for Inman, 14 years after he murdered Tiffany Souers. The judge insists that a jury, not a judge must be the deciding party in order to sentence someone to death, sighting a U.S. Supreme Court ruling from four years prior.

The Attorney General’s office can appeal the decision to the South Carolina Supreme Court, which if upheld, will preserve the initial death penalty ruling. However, if the Supreme Court allows for the new law to affect previous cases, then Inman will attend another hearing and be sentenced by a jury of his peers. This could result in the death penalty status being overturned and Inman instead sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

As of the date this article was written, there had been no official rulings on whether or not Inman will receive a new sentencing hearing. Updates will be posted as they become available.

It’s heartbreaking to know that Tiffany’s family may have to once again face the monster that took her from them, but at least they know without a doubt that her killer will never again walk free.

Sources:

Strangler sees self as ‘scum’, psychiatrist says

Jerry Buck Inman — South Carolina Death Row

Doctor describes how Clemson student strangled

***Note: The story was originally published on Medium.com by the author***

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About the Creator

Kassondra O'Hara

Working mom who uses her curiosity to fuel the curiosities of others ~ Writes mostly history and true crime

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