Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old nursing student at the time, was found dead in the middle of the road on July 8, 2015, Bluffton Today reported. Winds light and variable. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. A mostly clear sky. An Aiken man is facing five charges after allegedly presenting a firearm while attempting to run from a New Ellenton police officer Thursday. But the case against the prominent former Hampton County attorney has also brought fresh scrutiny to the Murdaugh family from investigators. An employee at Belk in the Columbiana Centre shopping mall reportedly found 63-year-old Bessie Durham dead inside the store's family bathroom after 8 p.m. Monday, according to Fox 57 in Columbia. AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - State and local authorities are continuing to investigate the discovery of a dead body behind an Aiken medical center. Subscribe today! The trial was six weeks long, garnered international headlines, and spawned a three-part Neflix docuseries. AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Police in Aiken are currently investigating the discovery of a dead body. Refresh this page later for more updated information. A presumptive identification has been made but DNA test will have to be completed to positively identify the victim. Low 46F. Traci Smith died Wednesday, Coroner Darryl Ables said in a news release. JACKSON, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An incident report by the Jackson Police Department shares new details on the discovery of a dead man's body found tied up in an Aiken County home Sunday. haz Allison, 29, who was kidnapped at gunpointfrom Smallridge Street in Aiken on June 24. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. A presumptive identification has been made but DNA tests will have to be completed to positively identify the victim, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables reported on Friday. Read moreAiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. A body was found buried in a wooded area Tuesday in Aiken. The report stated that additional information will be released after the victim has been identified and family is notified. The Colleton County jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son, Paul, with a shotgun and his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, with a rifle on June 7, 2021. akoch@aikenstandard.com, More details revealed about body found in woods near Aiken hospital, Body found buried in wooded area in Aiken, Body found in wooded area near Aiken hospital identified. According to the Aiken Standard, Heads arrest alleges he "desecrated the human remains of the victim, Tommy Levare Hoover, by placing his body in the trunk [of] his vehicle and dumping him in a wooded rural area covered by a tarp. On Nov. 6, a concerned neighbor conducted a welfare check Police are seeking assistance from the community in the investigation and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriffs Office at 803-648-6811. The third male suspect in the Allison kidnapping case has still not been located, Abdullah said. , Augusta mom to host first autism walk-a-thon in honor, Construction of businesses in Evans Society Center. The body was in stages of decomposition and will be autopsied Thursday in Newberry. The Aiken County Coroner's Office responded to a wooded area in the 500 block of Harbor Drive in Aiken, according to a news release from the coroner. Heads connection to Hoover was not immediately specified. Updated: Oct 25, 2019 / 06:04 PM EDT. The deaths of three people may have ties to the Murdaughs, including two cases that remain open. The Aiken County Coroner's Office is investigating the suspicious death of a male found in the cellar of a Jackson home. Charles L. Bradley's body was discovered Tuesday in the driver's seat of a Nissan Versa, according to Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables. The Colleton County jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son, Paul, with a shotgun and his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, with a rifle on June 7, 2021. Copyright 2021 WRDW/WAGT. Last year, 1,194 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) One person is dead following a shooting. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (TCD) -- A 40-year-old man was charged nearly six months after a mans body was discovered on the side of a rural road buried under a tarp. The body of a 20-year-old South Carolina woman was found inside a car a day after she was killed in a single-vehicle crash, the Aiken County Coroner's Office . A child's body was found after a fire was extinguished at a burning South Carolina home, the Aiken County Coroner said. It was especially heartbreaking for me to see you go in the media from being a grieving father who lost a wife and a son to being the person indicted and convicted of killing them, Judge Clifton Newman said to Alex Murdaugh Friday. Murdaugh soon will be taken to a state prison where he will be held in the highest security. Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. A body was found buried in a wooded area Tuesday in Aiken. A woman appeared to have been assaulted before she was found unconscious next to a vehicle at Langley Pond Park, according to newly released information from deputies. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. After the fire was extinguished, the Wagener man was found in a back bedroom and pronounced dead at the scene, Ables said. Aiken is not really known for having a lively nightlife and entertainment scene. Mar. Ad Choices, The Augusta Chronicle, citing the Aiken County Coroner, reports, Man charged with hiding dead body along Aiken County road - WRDW, Warrenville man charged with removal of human remains, criminal conspiracy - Aiken Standard, Body of North Augusta man found along road in Trenton, 2/26/2021 - Augusta Chronicle, North Augusta man was missing for days before body was found in Trenton, report states, 3/1/2021 - Aiken Standard. Read moreAiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. Read moreSLED investigates officer involved shooting; suspect taken into custody. Dead body found in woods near Aiken hospital. She had substantial injuries to her person, and she was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Questions mount after woman beaten unconscious, Ping pong charity battle for Parkinsons, Alzheimers at Brandon Wilde, 1 juvenile in hospital after shooting on Peach Orchard Road, MORE | 1 injured after shootout incident in Edgefield County. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Officers were able to see that her face was badly bruised and swollen. Her eyes were swollen shut, and there was bruising across her face consistent with being assaulted, a deputy wrote in the report. The former South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of the murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, on Thursday after a 2 -hour jury deliberation. The body will be autopsied in Newberry to determine the cause of death, and the identity of the victim will be released pending DNA testing, Ables said. bmoorman@aikenstandard.com, Aiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, Murdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, Wagener man charged after theft of dump truck, weapons, SLED investigates officer involved shooting; suspect taken into custody, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Aiken County Sheriff's Office investigating death in Beech Island, Two Edgefield men arrested and charged with murder after body found in woods, Friday afternoon shooting in Aiken County sends one person to hospital, Beech Island man charged in Richmond County homicide. Paul Murdaugh's blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit, hospital staff said, according to CBS News. Zillow has 575 homes for sale in Aiken SC. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (TCD) -- A 40-year-old man was charged nearly six months after a man's body was discovered on the side of a rural road buried under a tarp. DNA testing confirmed the body, found in the woods behind 410 . Toxicology tests are pending, Ables said. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) - The Richland County Coroner identifies the body found at Lake Carolina on Tuesday. Sunny. (Alexandra Koch/Staff), A body was discovered Wednesday morning in a wooded area near Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. You have permission to edit this article. Waiting for your permission to load facebook comments. Sunny. A . An investigation is underway after a man's body was found Thursday morning, the Richland County Sheriff's Department said. . If people are concerned. JACKSON, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An incident report by the Jackson Police Department shares new details on the discovery of a dead man's body found tied up in an Aiken County home Sunday. Feb. 20,21,22,27,28,29 7:30pm Feb 23 2pm. For breaking news and behind the scenes content, follow @alexandrankoch on Twitter and @alexandrakochnews on Instagram. You know, make sure you try to look out for one another when youre out there. Shooting on campus injures student at SC State, McMaster announces Blythewood selected for $2 billion investment, thousands of jobs, Judge Newman tells Murdaugh at sentencing, I know you have to see Paul and Maggie during the nighttime when youre attempting to go to sleep, Continuing coverage after Alex Murdaugh's life sentence, One injured after shooting outside of S.C. State dorm, MORE | Woman attacked by dogs in Warrenville. An Aiken man is facing five charges after allegedly presenting a firearm while attempting to run from a New Ellenton police officer Thursday. Shooting on campus injures student at SC State, McMaster announces Blythewood selected for $2 billion investment, thousands of jobs, Judge Newman tells Murdaugh at sentencing, I know you have to see Paul and Maggie during the nighttime when youre attempting to go to sleep, Continuing coverage after Alex Murdaugh's life sentence, One injured after shooting outside of S.C. State dorm, MORE | Woman attacked by dogs in Warrenville. Published: Jun. Despite having a rocky relationship on . According to WRDW, the Aiken County Coroner reportedly said Hoovers cause of death was an accidental overdose. In interviews with the highway patrol, some people began to direct investigators' attention toward the Murdaughs, ABC News 4 reported,though the Smith family's attorney, Andy Savage, told the outlet that he does not believe the death is connected to the Murdaughs. The identity of the body and cause of death have not been released, but Ables says additional information will be made available after the victim has been identified and family notified. STOCK IMAGE. March 01, 2023 12:28 PM. He is scheduled to have a bond hearing on March 3 at 2 p.m . High around 75F. The Colleton County jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son, Paul, with a shotgun and his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, with a rifle on June 7, 2021. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Read moreAiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. SC 29615 (864 . He is being held in the Al Cannon Detention Center. State and local authorities are continuing to investigate the discovery of a dead body behind an Aiken medical center. Mahon-Smart, who was not wearing a seat belt, died of blunt force injuries, according to Ables. ", Investigators also allege Head stole Hoovers car "after removing the victims deceased body.". Sign up to receive breaking True Crime Daily news, exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes info. High around 75F. SC 29201 (803 . The Murdaugh son was expected to stand trial just days before he was killed. Wise. Heres when severe weather is forecast, SC woman charged after allegedly consuming abortion pills to end pregnancy, Two killed, three more injured in multi-vehicle crash, SC Highway Patrol says, Armed teen in ankle monitor leads high-speed chase across multiple SC counties, cops say, One person killed, another hurt in SUV crash on Midlands road, SC cops say, Driver killed in crash that hurt another person is identified by Lexington coroner, Motorcyclist dies in I-77 crash near Columbia, Pedestrian fatally struck crossing railroad tracks in northeast Columbia. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. He also reportedly did not show up for work. What comes next for Murdaugh after sentencing? In addition, the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, who died in a boat crash in 2019 while Paul Murdaugh was at the helm of the vehicle, remains unresolved. On Tuesday, Capt. A body found on June 23 near the Aiken hospital was identified as 62-year-old Pamela K. Standridge of Beech Island on Monday. Shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, the Jackson Police Department responded to a . OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) - A decomposing body found in a Seneca home has been identified as a fugitive who was wanted for 16 years. Madison County Officials announced that the body of a missing man was recently found near the Redmon Dam. The report . The report from the Jackson Police Department in Aiken County says at 5 . Rocky MAFS couple Harrison Boon and Bronte Schofield hold hands in a rare public display of affection as they take a stroll through the streets of Sydney. Check back with Aiken Standard for updates. The cause of death remains unclear. Warner Bros. Entertainment | The Aiken Standard reports Hoover was covered with a tarp and buried near a pile of trash. A presumptive identification has been made, but a DNA test will have to be performed to positively . Sunny. Winds light and variable. WRDW reports Hoover allegedly told his family he was visiting a friend right before he disappeared. At about 1:20 a.m., fire crews responded . The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release. All rights reserved. Stay up to date with what you want to know. They had apparently traveled through various places in the United States before . At 10:20 a.m. Tuesday . A man who was found dead in the road in Beech Island on Monday has been identified. Read moreMurdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, After stealing various items in Allendale, SLED charged a Wagener man. Pros and Cons of Living in Aiken SC - Cons. (Alexandra Koch/Staff), Aiken Department of Public Safety on the scene / Photo by Alexandra Koch. Pollen is all around, but whos counting? Aiken County Court records show Jeremiah Head was charged with destruction or desecration of human remains, criminal conspiracy, financial identity fraud, and . The victim was taken to Newberry for an autopsy, the release said. Alexandra Koch covers crime, court proceedings and public safety in Aiken County. In partnership with At 11:21 p.m. Aiken Department of Public Safety Officers . By Staff. What comes next for Murdaugh after sentencing? Low 46F. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The call was received at 11:17 a.m. Wednesday after a person walking a dog made the discovery, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said. 1. This story was originally published November 6, 2022, 1:36 PM. The Aiken County Coroners Office was called to a wooded area behind Aiken Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates on 410 University Parkway after a body was found in the woods. Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. (Staff/ The Aiken Standard). . The autopsy showed the victim was a white female, and the cause of death is still under investigation, according to a news release from Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables on Friday. Law enforcement received information Tuesday morning of a body being buried on a property in Aiken . Eric Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said there was no additional information to provide and no arrests have been made. Read moreWagener man charged after theft of dump truck, weapons, There was an officer involved shooting in New Ellenton Thursday afternoon. No one has been charged with murder in his death, the Aiken County Sheriffs Office told WRDW. Because of burns the man suffered, he has not been positively identified and is scheduled to be autopsied Thursday in Newberry, according to the release. A person walking their dog found a body in the woods behind the 400 block of University Parkway at 11:17 a.m. The victim, a Graniteville woman in her 60s, was found around 8 a.m. Sunday near the Langley Pond boat ramp, according to an incident report released Tuesday by Aiken County deputies. Limited Nightlife. Aiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, Murdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, Wagener man charged after theft of dump truck, weapons, SLED investigates officer involved shooting; suspect taken into custody, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Police ask for community's help in finding Aiken man kidnapped at gunpoint, S.C. Highway Patrol unveils new unmarked patrol cars, highway safety efforts, North Augusta man charged with stalking in Aiken, DNA confirms body found in Aiken is Jhaz Allison; two suspects charged with murder, Third suspect charged in Aiken County murder, Body found in wooded area near Aiken hospital identified. New details shared on decomposed body found in Aiken. A dead body was found near the medical park in Aiken on Wednesday morning. akoch@aikenstandard.com. About 12 hours earlier, the Volkswagen was driving east on Hatchaway Bridge Road when it ran off the right side of the road, went down an embankment and hit a tree, said Lance Cpl. The Aiken County Coroner's Office released the name of man who was found in Beech Island yesterday. Jason Ramey tells us that 32-year old . The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release. Jun 30, 2021. Missing man found dead in Madison Co. following extensive search. 30, 2021 at 8:28 AM PDT. The report . View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Law-enforcement officials arrived on the scene and said the underage partiers were crying, saying one of their friends was missing following the crash. EDGEFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) - A homicide investigation is underway after the body of a woman was found on the side of the road in Edgefield County. The park only reopened a little less than a year ago after being closed for eight years so the dam could be repaired. Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images. At about 10:45 a.m., deputies responded to a call about a dead body . The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. Investigators believe that Alex Murdaugh's murdered son, Paul Murdaugh, was driving the family boat during a night of partying with friends on Beaufort River. I mean, if you see something, say something as simple as that, said Abdullah. Two of the bodies were identified as missing women from the area: Jackie Council (who went missing in 1986) and Risteen Durden (who disappeared in 1989). Aiken, Sc. Deandre T. Gaiters, 27, was identified as the victim who was found dead in Beech Island, according to a media release Tuesday morning from the Aiken County Coroners Office. The body was in stages of decomposition and will be autopsied Thursday in Newberry. Read moreMurdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, After stealing various items in Allendale, SLED charged a Wagener man. Abdullah says to reach out to the sheriffs office if you have any information. (WJBF) - The Aiken County Coroner's Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety are investigating the death of an Aiken man. Officers with the Aiken Department of Public Safety are seen in the woods near Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Terms of Use | "It's been, it's been a long time. Refresh this page later for more updated information. In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. Winds light and variable. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider At least 23 people have died in Aiken County crashes in 2022, DPS reported. Aiken man arrested after New Ellenton chase that led to a police officer firing his weapon, Murdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, Wagener man charged after theft of dump truck, weapons, SLED investigates officer involved shooting; suspect taken into custody, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, By Alexandra Koch New details shared on decomposed body found in Aiken. The coroners office reports an autopsy reveals the victim was a white female. For breaking news and behind the scenes content, follow @alexandrankoch on Twitter and @alexandrakochnews on Instagram. Body found buried in wooded area in Aiken, By Alexandra Koch Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) - The Aiken County Coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual found dead near Aiken Regional Medical Center, Wednesday. Abdullah says this is extremely rare for the park that is well-loved by the community. There was no word if anyone else was in the home at the time of the fire, or if the damage caused the residence to be a total loss. You have permission to edit this article. 25An autopsy has been performed on the body found near the medical park in Aiken on Wednesday morning. The Augusta Chronicle, citing the Aiken County Coroner, reports Hoovers body was discovered February 25 on the side of Katie Lane. His family reportedly told investigators that after Hoovers disappearance, his phone was cut off and his bank account was empty. JACKSON, S.C. (WJBF) - The Jackson Police Department, Aiken County Coroner's Office, and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office is investigating the suspicious death of a male found in the c More information will be released once the victim is identified and next of kin have been notified. Emergency services responded to the home following Satterfield's fall, but her death was never reported to the coroner and no autopsy was immediately performed, according to WJCL-22. . Read moreSLED investigates officer involved shooting; suspect taken into custody. These are the three cases that remain unsolved. ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C.. (WRDW/WAGT) - One person is dead after being hit by a car in Orangeburg County. High 52F. On Tuesday, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office asked for the community's help in locating Jhaz Allison, 29, who was kidnapped at gunpointfrom Smallridge Street in Aiken on June 24. Since the death of Alex Murdaugh's wife and son on June 7, 2021, authorities are examining a case involving the death of a 19-year-old student and exhumed the body of the family's longtime housekeeper. A body was found after a house fire was extinguished early Monday and the death is under investigation, according to the Aiken County Coroner's Office. WAGENER, S.C. The Aiken County Coroner's Office and state medical examiners are working to identify a person found dead after a house fire in the Wagener area of Aiken County on Monday . Law enforcement received information Tuesday morning of a body being buried on a property in Aiken, according to a report from Aiken County Coroner Darryl M. Ables. It is more quiet and geared towards a family-focused way of life. Gloria Satterfield, 57, served as the Murdaugh family housekeeper and nanny for more than two decades before she died in 2018 following a fall at their home. The Aiken Department of Public Safety is investigating a possible drowning after a body was found at Gem Lakes off Silver Bluff Road on Saturday night.. Deputies arrived as she was being loaded onto an ambulance after being found by a passerby. The coroners office said the victim sustained at least one gunshot wound to the body and was pronounced dead at the scene, the release said. A South Carolina man was found dead in the cellar of his home with his hands and feet tied up, local media outlets reported. The body was decomposing and will be autopsied in Newberry, S.C. Thursday. AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) The building used to be a medical facility and Aiken County government's headquarters for a while the old Aiken hospital is back on the market for sale for the third time. The Aiken County Coroner's Office was called to a wooded area behind 410 University Parkway, near Aiken Regional Medical Centers, after a body was discovered by a person walking their dog. ADPS confirmed that a body was located around 11:40 a.m. "The body was in stages of decomposition and will be autopsied tomorrow in Newberry," according to a report from the Aiken County Coroner. Correction: March 3, 2023 An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the son Alex Murdaugh killed. There was no word what caused the car to veer off the road, but the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroners office. The victim, a Graniteville woman in her 60s, was found around 8 a.m. Sunday near the Langley Pond boat ramp, according to an incident report released Tuesday by Aiken County deputies. Low 46F. Michael Satterfield, Gloria's son, testified during Murdaugh's trial and said the disgraced attorney never told her family that he had collected more than $4 million in insurance settlements following her death. Tips can be provided anonymously through Midlands CrimeStoppers and the tip could earn a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for any crime, the release said. Captain Eric Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office says there are no new leads in the case, but they are actively investigating how this could have happened. Fire crews were told there was a person inside the burning building, according to the release. Aiken, SC (29801) Today. In June, South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division said that it would exhume the body of Satterfield to search for more clues, The Greenville News reported. by: Ashlyn Williams, Mike Lepp, D.V. Privacy Policy | The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. In addition, the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, who died in a boat crash in 2019 while Paul Murdaugh was at the helm of the vehicle, remains unresolved. Mallory Beach, 19, died in a 2019 boat accident connected to the family. Capt. James Paul Freund (September 16, 1946 - August 9, 1976) and Pamela Mae Buckley (December 16, 1951 - August 9, 1976), commonly known as the Sumter County Does, Jock Doe and Jane Doe respectively, were two previously unidentified American murder victims found in Sumter County, South Carolina on August 9, 1976. Smith's death certificate stated that the cause of death was severe blunt-force trauma to the head, the local newspaper reported. Information about what caused the fire was not available, but the blazes origin is being investigated by the Aiken County Sheriffs Office. At about 1:20 a.m., fire crews responded to a burning home in the 7000 block of Wagener Road, Coroner Darryl Ables said in a news release. She was taken to a hospital and remained in critical condition Tuesday morning, according to deputies. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. A few weeks after the death of Murdaugh's wife and son in June 2021, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said that it had reopened an investigation into the Smith's death "based upon information gathered during the course of the double murder investigation of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh," People reported. Published: Jun. Deputies . The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release. The body of a 20-year-old South Carolina woman was found inside a car a day after she was killed in a single-vehicle crash, the Aiken County Coroners Office said. Read moreWagener man charged after theft of dump truck, weapons, There was an officer involved shooting in New Ellenton Thursday afternoon. Detectives initially believed Smith may have been hit on the head by the side-view mirror of a semitruck in a hit-and-run incident. Eric Abdullah said he "can't speculate" if the two cases are related. Read moreMurdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder, After stealing various items in Allendale, SLED charged a Wagener man. Wayne McNeil, 29, of Charleston, was charged with murder and a weapons offense. /news/2289700984756-dead-body-found-in-woods-near-aiken-hospital Columbia Co. lends school buses to McDuffie Co. 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