Charleston Man Sentenced for Hollywood Murder

Deandre Antuan Nesbitt Cochran convicted of murder and weapons charges in 2023 shooting death

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A Charleston County jury has convicted Deandre Antuan Nesbitt Cochran, 35, of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime for the 2023 shooting death of Herman Prioleau in Hollywood, South Carolina. Cochran was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of witness cooperation in solving violent crimes, as the solicitor noted that without the testimony of witnesses, the case may have gone unsolved or resulted in an acquittal. It also underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and homicides in the Charleston area.

The details

According to testimony, Cochran shot Prioleau, his cousin's passenger, from the backseat of the car while Prioleau's cousin was driving them to a home in Charleston County. After the shooting, the other backseat passenger allegedly threw the firearm out of the car. Cochran then ordered the driver to stop the car, wiped down the door handle, and fled after turning off his phone. A fingerprint left in the vehicle helped identify the second witness, who also implicated Cochran as the shooter.

  • On August 8, 2023, deputies responded to the scene around 5:20 p.m.
  • On February 5, 2026, Cochran was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The players

Deandre Antuan Nesbitt Cochran

A 35-year-old Charleston County man convicted of murder and weapons charges for the 2023 shooting death of Herman Prioleau.

Herman Prioleau

The victim who was shot and killed in the front passenger seat of a car owned by his cousin.

Scarlett A. Wilson

The Solicitor who announced Cochran's conviction and praised the cooperation of witnesses in solving the case.

Deadra Jefferson

The Circuit Judge who imposed the 45-year sentence on Cochran.

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What they’re saying

“Cooperating witnesses solved this case and brought home the conviction. Without them, this would have been either a not guilty verdict or an unsolved cold case.”

— Scarlett A. Wilson, Solicitor (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The judge's 45-year sentence for Cochran means he will likely spend the majority of his remaining life in prison for the 2023 murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical role that witness cooperation plays in solving violent crimes, as well as the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence in the Charleston area.