One Dead After Fight
Ridge Spring Fight
Leaves One Dead,
Two Arrested
On September 5, shortly after 8:00 pm at Circle K in Ridge Spring, there was an altercation between multiple subjects in the parking lot.
During the incident, one suspect got into a car, driving into a group of people, killing Schanen Termaine Samuels of Ridge Spring. According to witnesses, a second suspect then got into the car, and they two left the scene.
The suspects were followed by two Ridge Spring volunteer firemen, who happened to be at the store at the time of the incident, updating Saluda County Dispatch. The two suspects drove into a wooded area, and ran into the woods.
One of the suspects, Gregory Slayton, turned himself into the Ridge Spring Fire Department, who then turned him over to law enforcement.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office Dog Team, the Aiken County Dog Team, and SLED air support were called out, and apprehended the second subject, Lamar Shannon, a short time later.
Officers from Ridge Spring, Town of Saluda, Aiken County, SCHP, SLED and the Ridge Spring Fire Department all assisted in the investigation and apprehension of the suspects.
Investigators from Ridge Spring PD, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and the SLED Crime Scene are working with witnesses, reviewing footage from video cameras, and other parties involved to develop the timeline leading up to the incident.
Samuels was pronounced dead at the scene by Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner. The Coroner’s office will conduct an autopsy later this week to determine actual cause of death.
"I can’t thank the Ridge Spring Fire Department enough," said Ridge Spring PD Chief Mike Raffield, "it was their quick thinking and bravery that provided crucial information about the suspects in this investigation."
Saluda County Sheriff John C. Perry said that "A critical incident like this, where so many first responders, from law enforcement to fire and EMS are all pitching in and offering assistance, shows the true partnership and dedication to protecting and serving the community by these brave men and women."
Shannon and Slayton will face charges of murder for their involvement in this incident.
If you have any information about the altercation, please contact the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 864-969-TIPS.
TASK FORCE CREATED
Body Found in Edgefield
County Identified
On Friday September 2, 2016, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and Saluda County Coroner’s Office were notified by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) that the unidentified body found in Edgefield County was Saluda County’s missing person Nancy Caughman Lott.
Mrs. Lott was reported missing and was last seen on June17, 2016 in the Ridge Spring area of Saluda County. Forensic tests are being conducted on all evidence collected at the scene. The Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner and his staff have been working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and SLED to aid in the positive identification of Mrs. Lott throughout this investigation.
Sheriff John C. Perry and Coroner Turner and staff notified the family of the identification.
A task force has been assembled that is dedicated to the identification and apprehension of the person(s) responsible for Mrs. Lott’s death. Sheriff Perry wants the public to know that the person(s) responsible for this crime will be identified. The task force has consulted with criminal profilers from SLED who are experts in the field of violent crime.
A profile of the offender(s) is being prepared and will be utilized by the task force in obtaining the arrest of the responsible parties. A preliminary profile from the criminal profilers at SLED suggests that the discovery of Mrs. Lott and the subsequent investigation will become all-consuming for the offender(s). They will follow all press accounts on the investigation and may ask others if they have been contacted by law enforcement.
There will be behavioral changes of the person(s) responsible. These changes will be in their daily patterns, such as sleep and the consumption of food, alcohol and/or drugs. The behavioral changes are the result of the fear of being arrested and not actual remorse for their conduct. We recognize that people close to these individuals will not want to believe that they could possibly commit such an act. However, it is important that these people come forward and provide any information; no matter how minor the information may seem. As the person(s) responsible becomes more concerned with their apprehension they may act out violently against those closes to them.
Do not directly confront anyone who you may suspect of being involved in this homicide. Contact law enforcement immediately. Any individuals that wish to provide information do not have to provide law enforcement their name. They may be assured that any information will be followed up on by members of the task force. The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 864-939-TIPS (864-939-8477). Emails, which will also ONLY be followed up on by members off the task force, can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
COURT CASES IN PRINT EDITION
Missing Woman’s Body Recovered
Missing Woman’s Body
Recovered In Lake
On Tuesday, August 24, at approximately 12:02 p.m., the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an unoccupied boat on the lake.
Witnesses found and docked the unoccupied pontoon boat in the area of Atlas Drive in Saluda County. After further investigation by Saluda County, Newberry County, and the Department of Natural Resources, the husband identified the boat and the identity of the missing person as his wife, Mrs. Cynthia Leagan age 46 of Gold Nugget Point in Saluda County.
The husband stated that he did speak to his wife while she was operating the boat. The search began then for Mrs. Leagan in the area of her residence and approximately two miles where the pontoon boat was found.
At approximately 4:40 p.m. the deceased body of Mrs. Leagan was found approximately one and a half miles in the lake from her residence.
The Saluda County Coroners Office was called and Coroner Keith Turner and deputy coroners responded. Coroner Turner made the proper notification to the family. Deputy coroners took possession of the body. An autopsy was scheduled for later in the week.
2016 Saluda District
Hall of Fame Class
Saluda County School District One is proud to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2016.
The inductees include:
Molly Spearman - A graduate of Hollywood High School. Mrs. Spearman spent 18 years as a teacher and administrator at Hollywood. She currently serves as SC State Superintendent of Education.
William "Bill" Whitfield - Served 33 years as a teacher and principal at Saluda High School.
Gloria Caldwell - Served 31 years as a teacher and media specialist at Saluda High School. Published several works involving Saluda schools and community.
Diedra "Didi" Clark Rankin - Clark was named All-State in basketball and an All-American in softball in 1980.
Jonell Bosket - First female basketball player in Saluda history to score 1,000 career points. She played 1977 North-South All-Star basketball game and started at point guard for four seasons at Lander University. She is a 33 year veteran of Air Force and Air Force reserves.
Tommy Hite - Head coach of the 1941 Class A State Championship football team.
10th Annual Riverfest
The 10th Annual Riverfest is Saturday, Sept. 3, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Big Man’s Marina, Hwy 391, 125 Big Man’s Rd, Lake Murray. Featured will be bands, children’s activities, food, vendors, prizes, etc. (Standard-Sentinel photo from 2014 Riverfest)
Batesburg Man Dies
Batesburg Man Dies
In Monetta Crash
A Batesburg man died Fri., Aug. 19, in Monetta after his car went airborne and crashed into a house.
According to Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner, Ubaldo Tepeate Lugo, 35, of 4708 Pond Branch Rd., Batesburg, was travelling too fast for conditions when his 2007 Nissan pickup hit a railroad track and went airborne.
The truck hit a house on the right side of the road. Lugo was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. He was pronounced dead on the scene due to multiple trauma.
The truck was travelling south on Hwy. 23 toward Hwy. 39, and the accident occurred during heavy rain.
Two passengers in the vehicle were transported to the hospital in Aiken. Neither of them were wearing seatbelts. Turner has not heard of their conditions.
The house suffered extension damage. Fortunately, no one was home at the time.
The death was Saluda County’s first highway fatality of 2016, and happened about 50-yards from the Aiken County line.
Investigating were Sgt. Quest Hallman, and Trooper Mike Alvishire of the S.C. Highway Patrol. Also, on the scene was the Saluda County EMS.
Pilots and aircraft technicians using static helicopter displays talk to Saluda Middle School students.
SOaR Visits Saluda
Middle School Students
On August 22, 2016, Saluda Middle School hosted a STEM Day event that is geared to generate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through the Celebrate Freedom Foundation program SOaR. Approximately 465 students, along with their teachers participated.
SOaR™ (School/Student Oppor-tunities and Rewards) is an academic out reach program that supports STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in middle and high schools.
Utilizing subject matter experts, the program stimulates career choices by describing positions in the aviation industry. These experts emphasize the importance of learning critical skills that students will need, and the importance of staying in school and graduating.
Using a $10 million helicopter, presentations are delivered that inspire, stimulate and literally "lift off" a student’s attitude and enthusiasm. These presentations also help students who perform well in the classroom but are looking for career options and guidance.
The program actively involves students in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that:
•Changes their perception that the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is difficult and boring
•Motivates them to become more interested, knowledgeable, and skilled in these content areas
•Inspires them to become aware of the need to set personal goals to achieve success
•Instills in them a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance and advantage of working collaboratively with others to solve problems
•Makes them recognize the importance of remaining in school and graduating
•Stimulates their interest in the technology, trades and engineering fields that are essential to providing the workforce of the future and
•Encourages them establish stronger relationships with educators, influencer, community leaders, parents, and policy makers.
PERKINS RECOGNIZED - Bill Perkins was recognized on July 28, 2016, for his 18 years of service as the Saluda County Veteran’s Affairs Officer with a retirement party sponsored by Hospice Care of South Carolina. Hospice Care would like to thank those who attended and a special thank you to Bi Lo, Dan’s, Mig’s, Lunch N Treats, and Subway who donated items for the event.
Body Found
SALUDA COUNTY ORIGIN
Unidentified Body
Found in Edgefield
On Friday, August 12 ,at approximately 1:30 PM the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office was called by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in reference to an unidentified body in their county.
Upon arrival in Edgefield County, it was explained to the officers that the Tri-county trash truck that had the unidentified body in it had picked up trash from a location in Saluda County.
The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, and Aiken County Sheriff’s Office all have missing persons from their jurisdictions and will be assisting in this investigation.
SLED crime scene was called and processed the scene in Edgefield and Saluda counties. The Saluda County Coroner’s Office took possession of the unidentified body and scheduled an autopsy for Saturday the 13th of August. After the autopsy, evidence was transferred to SLED for processing to aid in the identification of the body.
At this point all agencies involved are waiting for the processing of all evidence by SLED to confirm the identification of the body and the possible location where the body was picked up by the trash truck during its route.
Coroner Ruling Spawns
Special Filing
11th Circuit Presiding Judge J. Mark Hayes II in ruling Aug. 8 in favor of Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner’s suit challenging the eligibility of his opponent, said he did not like to get involved in something that should be settled by voters, but said there was no doubt what the law required of candidates for coroner.
Turner’s suit was against Republican challenger Charles "Chuck" Adams, the Saluda County Elections Commission, S.C. Elections Commission and the Saluda County Republican Party saying said Adams did not meet the qualifications to run for Coroner.
Judge Hayes agreed. Now, the Republican Party is opening a special filing and a special primary, if needed, for anyone wishing to run for coroner in November. If anyone files, that candidate must meet the requirements as well.
Turner said he is not opposed to having someone run against.He must want the person to be qualified.
"None of these would have happened if Mr. Adams had not been certified by our Saluda County Elections Office," Turner said.
(See complete ruling in the print edition)
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS HONORED AT PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE GRADUATION - At Piedmont Technical College’s recent summer commencement exercises, outstanding students from each of the college’s seven supporting counties were honored for academic achievement. Saluda County student Mollie Hallback, right, was honored for maintaining high academic success. She was recognized by PTC Area Commission member William Whitfield, left. Hallback is a surgical technology graduate.
FARM BUREAU AMBASSADORS - The Saluda County Farm Bureau Ambassadors were named at the organization’s annual meeting Sat., Aug,. 13, at Saluda High School. Pictured, L to R, are the 2015 Ambassador Michaela Ruth Hall, and the 2016 winners, Madison Price and her brother TJ Price. (Standard-Sentinel photo)