News Summary
Walt Wilkins, a prominent prosecutor in South Carolina, has announced his resignation, effective June 2025, after a successful conviction in the ‘Rose Petal Murder’ case. With a career spanning decades, Wilkins plans to transition to private legal practice. His departure has sparked discussions about potential successors, including his deputy and other notable candidates. Amid confusion regarding the appointment process, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will select Wilkins’ replacement, who will serve until January 2027.
Greenville, South Carolina – Walt Wilkins, the longstanding top prosecutor for South Carolina’s thirteenth circuit, has announced his resignation effective the first week of June 2025. This decision comes shortly after Wilkins secured a conviction in the high-profile ‘Rose Petal Murder’ case, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Following his resignation, Wilkins plans to transition into private legal practice. At 51 years old, he has built a distinguished career in prosecution, with a strong reputation for his leadership and advocacy in the courtroom.
Wilkins has been an influential figure in South Carolina’s legal landscape. In 2005, he was appointed to lead the U.S. attorney’s office in Greenville, South Carolina, establishing a track record of effective prosecution. Three years later, in 2008, he was appointed by former President George W. Bush as the Palmetto State’s top federal prosecutor. His career took another significant turn in 2010 when he was elected as South Carolina’s thirteenth circuit solicitor, overseeing state prosecutions in Greenville and Pickens counties.
Wilkins earned reelection in 2014, 2018, and 2022, receiving positive reviews for his performance throughout his tenure. His recent decision to step down has prompted discussions regarding his successor. Wilkins has urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint his long-time deputy, Andrew Culbreath, as the interim replacement. However, there are also conversations about the potential appointment of McMaster’s son, Henry D. McMaster Jr. There are speculations that this move could help McMaster Jr. gain experience in anticipation of a run for attorney general in 2026.
Under state law, the new solicitor must be a resident of the circuit, meaning McMaster Jr. would need to establish residency in either Greenville or Pickens County prior to his appointment. Prominent defense attorney Cindy Crick is also considered a candidate for the position, adding another layer to discussions about Wilkins’ successor.
Governor McMaster holds the authority to appoint Wilkins’ replacement, which is subject to consent from the South Carolina Senate according to state law (S.C. Code § 1-7-390). Following Wilkins’ resignation, his appointee would fulfill the role until January 2027, completing the remainder of Wilkins’ four-year term.
However, confusion surrounds the duration of this appointment as state law (S.C. Code § 7-13-190) mandates a special election for partisan political offices. Legal opinions suggest that this provision does not apply to solicitors, leading to potential ambiguities regarding the appointment process.
As Wilkins prepares to close this chapter of his professional life, FITSNews will continue to provide updates regarding both his resignation and the forthcoming appointment of his successor, reflecting the ongoing developments within South Carolina’s legal community.
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Additional Resources
- FITSNews: South Carolina Upstate Solicitor Walt Wilkins Resigning
- Charlotte Observer: Local Crime News
- SC Daily Gazette: State Rep Marvin Pendarvis Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal System
- Newsweek: Prosecutor Resigns
- Google News: Attorney General South Carolina
