Irmo, South Carolina, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The double homicide of Bryan Capnerhurst and Tammy Jo Parker in Irmo has led to a complex investigation revealing numerous inconsistencies surrounding claims made by the victim’s husband, Brett Parker. Initially claiming self-defense, he was ultimately found guilty of both murders, which were linked to illegal gambling activities. The case continues to draw public interest, with a documentary airing to further explore the events surrounding this tragic incident.
Irmo, South Carolina
Bryan Capnerhurst, 46, and Tammy Jo Parker, 44, were found dead on April 13, 2012, in a home in Irmo, South Carolina, marking the start of a complex double-homicide investigation. The initial claim put forth by Brett Parker, Tammy Jo’s husband, stated that Capnerhurst shot Tammy Jo during a robbery, prompting Brett to fatally shoot Capnerhurst in self-defense. However, further investigation revealed significant inconsistencies in Brett Parker’s account, and suspicions quickly arose surrounding his bookmaking activities and the financial disputes tied to gambling debts.
Authorities collected two firearms from the scene and immediately began reviewing phone logs and home-surveillance footage. Investigators expanded their focus beyond Brett Parker’s self-defense story, eventually revealing that he had ongoing illegal gambling activities that were heavily implicated in the case. Critical evidence and witness interviews soon led authorities to doubt Brett Parker’s initial assertion of self-defense.
Brett Parker’s legal team considered South Carolina’s stand-your-ground law, which permits individuals to use deadly force if they believe their life is in danger. However, they ultimately decided not to pursue an immunity hearing. The rationale behind this decision was that the law does not grant immunity to defendants engaged in unlawful behavior—a situation pertinent to Brett Parker, who was implicated in illegal gambling.
By January 2014, reports indicated that Brett’s defense team had abandoned the stand-your-ground claim due to growing evidence of illegal activities. Discrepancies in timing, details of the scene, and medical examiner testimony complicated Parker’s narrative; one significant detail was that Capnerhurst could not have wielded a gun due to a critical wound to his arm.
More than three months after the shootings, Brett Parker turned himself in to the authorities following mounting evidence implicating him in the double homicide. Prosecutors argued that he first shot Tammy Jo, motivated by financial desperation and insurance proceeds, and then shot Capnerhurst while attempting to stage the scene as a robbery. In contrast, the defense maintained that Brett acted in self-defense against an armed Capnerhurst, who was allegedly there to collect a $20,000 debt.
In 2013, a Richland County jury found Brett Parker guilty of both murders. Subsequently, he was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. His attempts to appeal the conviction were rejected by a state appeals court.
The investigation revealed that Capnerhurst and Parker’s financial entanglements were deeply rooted in illegal gambling activities, which led to the charging of at least 14 other suspects in connection with Brett Parker’s betting operation. The Richland County Sheriff emphasized that the evidence collected during the investigation did not support Brett Parker’s version of events, underscoring the complex interplay of crime and gambling at the heart of this case.
As part of continuing public interest, “Dateline: Mystery at Ascot Estates” is scheduled to re-air on Oxygen on September 20, 2023, providing viewers with a renewed examination of the evidence and outcomes associated with the case. Additionally, a podcast episode titled “The Mystery at Ascot Estates” dives deeper into the investigation and trial, featuring detailed evidence and interviews.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | April 13, 2012 |
| Victims | Bryan Capnerhurst (46), Tammy Jo Parker (44) |
| Defendant | Brett Parker |
| Sentence | Two consecutive life sentences without parole |
| Charges Against Brett Parker | Two counts of murder |
| Airing of Dateline | September 20, 2023 |
| Podcast Title | The Mystery at Ascot Estates |
FAQ
Bryan Capnerhurst and Tammy Jo Parker were discovered dead on April 13, 2012, inside a home in Irmo, South Carolina.
Brett Parker’s defense argued that he shot both individuals in self-defense, claiming Capnerhurst was armed and attempting to collect a debt.
In 2013, a Richland County jury found Brett Parker guilty of both murders and sentenced him to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The investigation into gambling activities revealed significant financial motivations for the crimes, complicating Brett Parker’s defense and leading to further charges against multiple suspects.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV: Dateline Shines Spotlight on Ascot Estates Double Murder
- Patch: Husband Charged with 2 Murder Counts in Ascot Estates Deaths
- WACH: Brett Parker Sentenced to Life in Prison for Double Murder
- Wikipedia: Ascot Estates Double Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Double Homicide
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
