Marion Co. woman sentenced to 57 years in prison for 2021 murder of ex-boyfriend

MARION COUNTY, SC (WPDE) — Deborah Michelle Anderson, 43, pleaded guilty Thursday to the murder of Jeffery DeMarus McFarland, 38, and the attempted murder of Cheryl Woodberry, 51, in December 2021 in Marion County, according to officials with the 12th Circuit Solicitor's . Desk.

South Carolina Circuit Judge Michael Nettles sentenced Anderson to 57 years in prison, officials said.

McFarland died at a Marion County hospital after being shot in the head while sitting in the passenger seat of Woodberry's car at a red light on Highway 76 in front of Pee Dee Academy on September 9 December 2021.

Woodberry was also hit by gunfire but survived her injuries.

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She was able to identify Anderson as the shooter, telling law enforcement she followed them in a Crown Victoria after they drove away from McFarland's residence.

Woodberry further testified that after she and McFarland were waiting for the light to turn green, Anderson pulled up to the passenger side of her car and began shooting.

The case was prosecuted by 12th Circuit Assistant Solicitor J. Ryan White, who told Presiding Judge Nettles during argument that McFarland and Anderson had a prior relationship, but were not seeing each other at the time of the killing.

White added that Anderson purchased the 9mm handgun she used to shoot both victims six months before the shootings.

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Additionally, during the plea, White told the court, “While I am aware that the defendant's guilty plea spares the victims' families the ordeal of a trial, his actions that day brought into danger not only the victims but also those who were traveling nearby. Highway 76. Pee Dee Academy and MUSC Hospital, located across the street from the red light where the shooting occurred, were also closed as a safety precaution. “It’s a miracle that more people weren’t injured.”

Anderson pleaded guilty in NC v. Alford, in which a defendant maintains his innocence, but acknowledges the strong likelihood of a conviction based on the evidence allegedly presented at trial.

White said an Alford plea is treated the same as a traditional guilty plea, especially when it comes to sentencing. Judge Nettles also sentenced Anderson to 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of Woodberry, with the terms to be served concurrently. Under South Carolina law, Anderson will not be eligible for parole.