# When Self-Defense Turns Into Murder-Wade Williamson

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwR6mxlEBuE
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/mwR6mxlEBuE
Generated: 2025-11-21T11:35:06.929+00:00

---
## Quick Overview

Wade Williamson recounts the traumatic experience of being shot by his ex-wife's associate in 2018, detailing the severity of his injuries, the subsequent legal proceedings where he was ultimately proven innocent of related charges, and the lasting impact on his life and family, emphasizing that the ordeal made him and his wife stronger together.

**Key Points:**
- Wade Williamson was shot by an associate of his ex-wife in April 2018, resulting in a life-threatening injury that required open-heart surgery.
- The shooter, who was allegedly high on steroids, PCP, and prescription pills, was reportedly trying to carry out an alleged murder-for-hire plot.
- Despite the shooter's proximity and aggressive actions (threatening to kill Williamson and putting a gun to his neck), Williamson was arrested and charged with carrying a weapon during a violent crime.
- The prosecutor's case against Williamson collapsed when they realized the physical evidence (the exit wound being higher than the entrance wound) contradicted the shooter's narrative, leading to the dismissal of charges.
- The shooter was later convicted of murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, receiving a 97% conviction rate offer for a plea deal.
- The traumatic event, which caused Williamson to suffer PTSD and led to him being fired from a job he held for 15 years, ultimately strengthened his relationship with his wife.
- Williamson states that he and his wife have remained together and strong for over 20 years, surviving this ordeal and now helping other couples.

![Screenshot at 00:11: The subject, Wade Williamson, recounts the intense experience of surviving being shot, stating that what they went through made him and his wife stronger.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-00-11.png)

**Context:** This video features an interview with Wade Williamson, who recounts a near-fatal incident where he was shot by an associate of his ex-wife in South Carolina in April 2018. Williamson describes the physical confrontation, the subsequent legal battle where he faced charges, and the emotional aftermath, including the impact on his family and his eventual exoneration, which he credits for strengthening his long-term marriage.

## Detailed Analysis

Wade Williamson recounts a life-altering event in April 2018 where he was shot by a man associated with his ex-wife. Williamson describes the shooter as being under the influence of steroids, PCP, and prescription pills. During the confrontation, the shooter allegedly put a gun to Williamson's neck and threatened to kill him, causing Williamson to instinctively draw his own gun and fire three times, hitting the assailant in the chest and causing a ricochet wound to the wall. The shooter was found to have an exit wound higher than the entrance wound, which contradicted his testimony that Williamson shot him while he was already down. The shooter was later convicted, but Williamson was initially charged with carrying a weapon during a violent crime. His attorney, Andy Savage, was instrumental in getting Williamson's charges dismissed, showing the investigators the physical evidence that proved Williamson was acting in self-defense. Williamson notes the irony that the shooter's narrative was contradicted by forensic evidence, leading to his freedom. However, the trauma resulted in Williamson being fired from a job he held for 15 years and led to him developing PTSD, requiring medication. Despite these immense personal and professional setbacks, Williamson states that the ordeal ultimately strengthened his marriage of over 20 years, leading him and his wife to mentor other couples today.

### Personal Background

- Grew up in Darlington, SC; attended Florence Darlington Tech for welding; married his wife after his divorce in 2009.

### The Shooting Incident

- Occurred in April 2018 when the shooter, under the influence of drugs/alcohol, attacked Williamson, who defended himself by firing three shots that hit the assailant, leading to the assailant's death.

### Legal Aftermath

- Williamson was initially charged with murder and weapon possession; his attorney, Andy Savage, secured a dismissal of charges by presenting forensic evidence contradicting the shooter's story.

### Personal Consequences

- Williamson was fired from his job of 15 years due to the incident; he developed PTSD requiring medication; he now helps other couples as a mentor.

![Screenshot at 00:01: Wade Williamson, the subject, begins recounting his story in an interview setting against a blue/dark background.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-00-01.png)
![Screenshot at 00:17: Title card appears: 'SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY When Self-Defense Turns Into Murder Wade Williamson Charleston, South Carolina by Mark Laita'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-00-17.png)
![Screenshot at 01:54: Williamson discusses his ex-wife's father dying of liver cirrhosis, which changed their family dynamic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-01-54.png)
![Screenshot at 04:47: Williamson points to a scar on his chest where he was shot, noting it was an open-heart surgery wound.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-04-47.png)
![Screenshot at 34:55: A montage shows pages from Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' book series being flipped, featuring various subjects and their quotes.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/mwR6mxlEBuE/00-34-55.png)
