MULLINS, S.C. (WMBF) - A man is out of jail after a judge’s order this month granted him immunity in a 2023 Pee Dee murder case.

Joseph Jones was charged with murder in connection with the Feb. 8, 2023, shooting death of 17-year-old Marcus Ross on East Mayers Street in Mullins. Jones was also 17 at the time.

But Jones has maintained he acted in self-defense.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Jones’ defense filed a motion claiming immunity in the case under the state’s Stand Your Ground law.

South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground applies in cases where the use of deadly force is deemed lawful.

Days later, on Nov. 3, 2025, a 12th Judicial Circuit judge granted the motion, which gives Jones immunity from prosecution and civil liability.

According to the order, the judge found that the evidence showed that

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