Suspect in slaying captured in motel on Broad Street

TAYLOR

By JOE PERRY
Item Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

About eight hours after his identity was released to the media, a 26-year-old Dalzell man wanted for the Monday night slaying of a 56-year-old man was brought into custody at a motel.

Henry Taylor Jr., of 3650 Settlement Road, Dalzell, was captured in a room at America's Inn, 4280 Broad St., said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Anthony Nocerino, of 5670 DuBose Siding Road, was shot twice in the face at his home in what authorities think is a drug-related incident.

His 30-year-old girlfriend, Tawanda Brown, was shot in the back of her head and body but survived and is in serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Palmetto Health Richland.

Taylor is facing two charges: murder and assault and battery with intent to kill. A second man is thought to be involved, and investigators are working to establish his identity.

A records check shows Taylor was arrested Dec. 20, 2005, and charged with assault and battery with intent to kill, which he pled down to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

He was given a five-year sentence in September 2007 with credit for time served from the day he was arrested nearly two years earlier.

In January 2005, he was charged with possession of a stolen pistol and unlawful carrying of a pistol to which he pled guilty in April of that year, receiving a five-year sentence suspended to two years, seven months.

"He just got out of jail," said Capt. Jamie Turner on Wednesday, explaining that sentencing guidelines allowed for his release.

Dennis confirmed Wednesday that drug paraphernalia was found in Nocerino's home, but there was no other new information available.

If anyone has information on the shooting, please contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.



Contact Staff Writer Joe Perry at jperry@theitem.com or (803) 774-1272.