LOCAL MAN RECEIVES 15-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR TEEN SHOOTING

A Spartanburg County man received a 15-year prison sentence today for shooting a teen in the head.

Roy Anthony Scruggs, 44, pleaded guilty to assault and battery with intent to kill. He shot 16-year-old Eric L. Jones on Oct. 3, 2007. Jones was shot in his forehead and treated at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

The shooting occurred about 11 p.m. at Scruggs’ Seminole Drive home. Jones told sheriff’s deputies he walked on the porch of the home and asked for a light. Scruggs produced a pistol and shot the victim in front of a witness.

“It was a senseless crime,” Principal Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette said. “This crime could have easily been a homicide.”

Jones and the witness identified Scruggs in a photo line-up. Deputies arrested Scruggs a week later.

Scruggs’ prior criminal record included convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, burglary and malicious damage to personal property.