Chapin man found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2023 stabbing attack

Cameron Hinckley ordered committed to state mental health facility after judge's ruling

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A judge in South Carolina has ruled that Cameron Hinckley was legally insane at the time he stabbed his neighbor Bruce Loveless 11 times in 2023. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered committed to a state mental health facility for evaluation and potential further hospitalization.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complex legal and mental health issues surrounding violent crimes committed by individuals with severe mental illness. It also raises questions about the investigation process and whether key evidence was overlooked that could have impacted the outcome.

The details

Hinckley was charged with stabbing Loveless inside Loveless's Chapin home in December 2023. Prosecutors said Loveless was stabbed 11 times in the head and chest and required life-saving treatment, but survived the attack. After nearly an hour of testimony from a forensic psychiatrist, Judge Debra R. McCaslin ruled that Hinckley was legally insane at the time due to schizophrenia and active psychosis, which impaired his ability to distinguish right from wrong.

  • In December 2023, Hinckley allegedly stabbed Loveless 11 times.
  • On February 21, 2026, the judge ruled Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity.

The players

Cameron Hinckley

A Chapin, South Carolina resident who was charged with stabbing his neighbor Bruce Loveless 11 times in 2023.

Bruce Loveless

The victim of the 2023 stabbing attack by Cameron Hinckley, who survived the 11 stab wounds to his head and chest.

Judge Debra R. McCaslin

The judge who ruled that Cameron Hinckley was legally insane at the time of the 2023 attack and ordered him committed to a state mental health facility.

Dr. Richard Frierson

The forensic psychiatrist who evaluated Hinckley multiple times and testified that Hinckley's schizophrenia and psychosis prevented him from distinguishing right from wrong during the attack.

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What they’re saying

“When someone is psychotic and out of touch with reality, their their intelligence doesn't run away, but their ability to use their intelligence can go away.”

— Dr. Richard Frierson, Forensic Psychiatrist

“I kept asking myself, 'How did my Paradise become a bloodbath?'”

— Bruce Loveless

What’s next

After the initial 120-day evaluation period, the court will hold another hearing to determine whether Hinckley should remain hospitalized or be conditionally released under supervision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and mental health issues surrounding violent crimes committed by individuals with severe mental illness. It raises questions about the investigation process and whether key evidence was overlooked, as well as the challenges in balancing public safety concerns with providing appropriate treatment for those found not guilty by reason of insanity.