One Suspect Detained, Another Being Pursued in Relation to Gruesome Discovery of Deceased in a Burning Lexington Residence
In a shocking case that has rattled the quiet community of Lexington, South Carolina, local law enforcement have detained one man and are earnestly looking for another individual. Their arrests are in connection with the horrific discovery of a body inside a burning home in late July. The deceased has been identified as Caldwell Melton Motley Jr.
One Arrested, Other Still At Large
Edward Leroy Smith, a 39-year-old resident of Winnsboro, was arrested by Lexington County deputies on Tuesday night. He’s currently held at the Lexington County Detention Center, after being denied bail by a magistrate judge the following morning.
“Our detectives, through exhaustive investigation, have established that Smith murdered Mr. Motley by inflicting a fatal stab wound,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “Further examination of the evidence and testimonies also pointed to Smith as the assailant who grievously injured another man at the scene with a sharp object.”
Charges and Evidences
Smith has been slapped with charges of murder in relation to the stabbing death of Motley Jr., according to the arrest warrants. Additionally, he faces a charge of attempted murder in the stabbing of another man, discovered injured inside a detached garage beside the incinerated home on Oak Ridge Lane.
“Consistent testimonies from victims and witnesses, physical evidence, and electronic data all confirm that Smith was present at the Oak Ridge Lane scene shortly before a 911 call was made about the house being on fire,” Sheriff Koon disclosed.
Continuing Search for Second Suspect
The hunt continues for Donovan Ryan Holman, a 33-year-old Lexington resident, who is also wanted in connection to the case as per Sheriff Koon.
“We’re asking anyone with potential information about Holman’s whereabouts to share it with us through the Midlands Crimestoppers mobile app,” Koon appealed. “Rest assured that your identity will be kept confidential. If your tip leads to an arrest, you might even be eligible for a monetary reward.”
This case is a grim reminder of the horrors that can erupt even in relatively peaceful communities. Residents of Lexington are urged to remain conscious of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.
