Bio

Calvin Alphonso Shuler was born on December 3, 1966. He grew up in South Carolina. Little is known about his childhood or family life, except that he spent much of his early years in the Low Country area of the state. As a young man, Shuler became part of his community and eventually found work with Anderson Armored Car Service.

Shuler's employment at the armored car company brought him into contact with his future victims. He worked alongside other employees, including James "J.B." Brooks, who was a 77-year-old guard. During his time there, Shuler learned about the operations and routines of the armored car service.

Throughout his life, Calvin had various experiences and challenges. He reportedly had a history of using anabolic steroids and cocaine. Throughout this period, he faced personal difficulties, including the loss of close family members, which affected his mental health.

In preparation for the crime he later committed, investigators found that Shuler had planned in advance. This planning would play a crucial role in the events that unfolded on December 3, 1997. On that day, Shuler executed a robbery that led to a confrontation with the guards at the armored car service.

Murder Story

On December 3, 1997, Calvin Alphonso Shuler committed a violent crime in Dorchester County, South Carolina. He waited under a house near a bank as the armored car, carrying several guards including James "J.B." Brooks, approached for its routine stop. As the armored car came to a halt, Shuler emerged, armed with an assault rifle and a handgun, and ordered the guards out of the vehicle.

During the robbery, Shuler confronted Brooks, who was locked in the back of the armored car. Brooks attempted to defend himself with his revolver, but the odds were heavily against him. Shuler and Brooks exchanged gunfire, resulting in Brooks suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Shuler eventually shot Brooks fatally and drove off with the armored car.

After the crime, Shuler abandoned the armored car on a dirt road. When police and emergency medical services arrived, they discovered Brooks' body inside the vehicle. A search for evidence led authorities to various items linked to the crime, including an assault rifle and blood that matched Shuler's DNA.

In the days following the murder, Shuler was apprehended by law enforcement. During questioning, he confessed to the robbery and murder, detailing his plan and the events that transpired. Shuler was subsequently tried and found guilty of murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping. The jury recommended the death penalty, and he was sentenced to death in 1998.

Shuler spent several years on death row, during which multiple appeals for clemency were denied. He was executed by lethal injection on June 22, 2007, at the age of 40. He made no final statement before his execution, which was attended by members of Brooks' family.