PROSPERITY — The body of a 56-year-old Prosperity man reported missing Saturday afternoon was found Sunday and his brother now stands charged with murder.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and first responders began searching for Walter Tom Hawkins Jr., of 126 Richburg Drive, after he was reported missing by his family.
Hawkins’ body was found Sunday morning in a wooded area off Maple Knoll Court, which is off U.S. 391 in the Prosperity section of Newberry County.
Coroner Craig Newton said Monday morning that Hawkins died from a laceration of the brain due to a closed head injury that was the result of a beating.
Daryl Richburg, 49, of 126 Richburg Drive in Prosperity, was taken into custody shortly after noon Sunday and will be charged with murder, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said.
“Family members spotted Richburg in a wooded area near the home and were able to detain him until law enforcement officers could arrive on scene,” Foster said.
Foster said the “motive for the killing appears to have been a domestic related argument between the two men. It appears that alcohol was a factor in the murder.”
Foster said investigators found blood evidence near Hawkins’ home.
“The SLED helicopter, technology, and just plain old fashioned police leg work were crucial to the investigation,” Foster said in a press release issued Sunday. “Investigators say that they searched throughout the night last night for the two men. The investigators also say that the family was instrumental in their cooperation and assistance in the case.”
No bond hearing had been scheduled by press time Monday.
Post a Comment
