New Details Emerge in Smith’s Murder Charge

An Intricate Act of Violence in Lexington County

A local man from Winnsboro, Edward Leroy Smith, 39, has been arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder earlier this week,, shedding further light on the unsettling incidents that recently occurred in Lexington County.

According to Sheriff’s department official reports, Smith was taken into custody, after being implicated in the stabbing death of Caldwell Melton Motley Jr., whose body was found within a burning home in Lexington County, situated on serene Oak Ridge Lane, on the morning of July 20, 2024. Furthermore, Smith also stands accused of attempted murder of a second man, in a horrific act of violence that has left the community staggered.

A Grisly Discovery

A detailed look into the initial incident reports show a chilling scene. Upon responding to reports of a house on fire on Oak Ridge Lane, emergency services made a macabre discovery. The body of Motley was located inside the flames engulfed property. Not far from there, in a separate garage-type building, another man was located, badly injured. The unidentified man was immediately transported to a local medical facility for urgent treatment.

Lexington’s Sheriff Jay Coon shared that, based on investigative findings and evidence collected from the scene, it was ascertained that Smith was the one who stabbed Motley to death, abruptly ending his life. Further findings illuminated that Smith was also responsible for the injuries inflicted to the second victim, having assaulted him with an edged object.

Evidence & Suspect Apprehension

As the investigation progressed, numerous interviews with eyewitnesses, along with irrefutable evidence, including electronic data, placed Smith at the scene of the crime shortly before the tragic incident took place and a 911 call was made about the house fire.

Smith, who used to own Smith’s Towing in Winnsboro and recently took up residence in the neighboring area of Blythewood, currently spends his days within the confines of the Lexington County Detention Center. With the magistrate denying his plea for bail on Wednesday morning, Smith must remain in custody as he awaits his day in court.

Additional details concerning Smith’s arrest and the ongoing investigation will be forthcoming. The news of such a shocking act of violence in the otherwise quiet and peaceful county of Lexington has undoubtedly left an imprint on its residents, as they wait with baited breath for developments and justice for the victims.