BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–An individual sought by state and federal authorities in Orangeburg County has been confirmed as a person of interest in the Holly Hill murders of last week, according to OCSO Spokesperson Richard Walker.
The victims were all shot to death, investigators have stated. They’ve been identified as Tamara Perry, 14; Shamekia Sanders, 17; Krystal Hutto, 28; and Jerome Butler, 50. An 8-year-old boy, who has not been identified, survived the shooting but is still in critical condition, according to Walker.
Authorities say Michael Smith, of Moncks Corner, was taken into custody on Wednesday after a high speed chase that saw speeds reach more than 100 m.p.h.
The 26-year-old Smith was charged by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office with second or subsequent failure to stop for a blue light and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Smith was being sought on a Berkeley County warrant for robbery.
Orangeburg County magistrate Jacob Gillens denied bond at the request of OCSO Inv. Riley Godwin and First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe.
Pascoe told the court Smith has an “incredibly extensive” criminal record, and also that Smith is a person of interest in the murders of two adults and two children at an Old State Road residence.
Pascoe stressed that investigators are only looking at Smith as a person of interest not a suspect.
Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said the multiple homicide investigation has been non-stop since it was first called in July 15. This resulted in Smith being identified as a person of interest.
“We want to reassure the community we have been tracing out every new lead, interviewing anyone even remotely connected with it, including Mr. Smith,” he said. “We can’t rest until this is resolved.”
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