Orangeburg sheriff seeks help solving 2018 killing

Darrell Bennett of Elloree always sent his girlfriend a text to let her know he had reached the Hot Spot convenience store in Eutawville on his way to work. His last text was at 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2018.

According to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, 50-year-old Bennett was found dead inside his truck with what would later be identified as a gunshot wound. Bennett was traveling east on Old Number Six Highway, near its junction with the County Line Road, when a bullet went through his truck's tailgate before striking him. His truck veered off the road before overturning near a wood line, and a passerby notified authorities just after 7 a.m.

Ravenell announced Wednesday that investigators are seeking the public's help in obtaining information on Bennett's death.

"This man was minding his own business going to work that morning when someone fired a shot into the back of his truck," the sheriff said. "The shooter should know he should keep looking over his shoulder because we'll get to you eventually. We don't stop."

If anyone has any information on Bennett or the incident, you are asked to call the OCSO at 803-534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. All callers can remain anonymous.