2 arrested in Clarendon after team uncovers murder-for-hire plot

MANNING — Two individuals are behind bars in Clarendon County after agents with the city/county narcotics team uncovered a murder-for-hire scheme where the suspect provided instructions for how to commit the crime.

The city/county narcotics team, which is comprised of law enforcement agents with Manning Police Department and Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, learned about the murder-for-hire scheme on Oct. 9, according to both agencies.

During the next two weeks, the team with assistance from SLED investigated the matter. Two individuals were arrested on Oct. 24 and taken to Clarendon County Detention Center.

Through its investigation, the narcotics team recovered audio and video recordings of the suspect that gave specific instructions on how to kill the victim as well as the suspect providing money to secure a firearm and for an individual to conduct surveillance on the victim. The suspect provided instructions on how to complete the crime and promised the individual a monetary reward once the victim was killed.

Manning Police Chief Keith Grice said the arrests resulted from investigations by the narcotics team and SLED.

“We had a meeting with the county and a meeting with (State Law Enforcement Division),” Grice said Tuesday afternoon. “We worked as one group. SLED provided us with some good advice.”

Both suspects arrested for the murder-for-hire plot have been charged with solicitation to commit a felony and criminal conspiracy.

“The names of the individuals who have been arrested are being withheld at this time pending further investigation,” Grice said. “We hope to be able to release those names by the end of the week or next week.”