Father drowns after saving 5 people from a rip current in South Carolina, a tragedy that resonates deeply, especially when you consider the context and the human element at play. Chase Childers, a former baseball player, lost his life in a selfless act, a stark illustration of courage that sadly ended in profound loss for his family. The information we have points to a man who saw others in danger and acted without hesitation, a quality that undoubtedly made him a cherished figure in his community, and a tragic hero in his final moments.
His family described his death as a “heroic act,” emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice he made.… Continue reading
Rick Chow, the former owner of a Columbia gas station, has been denied bond for a second time in connection to the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Chow is accused of chasing Carmack-Belton from his store in May 2023 and shooting him in the back, allegedly for stealing bottled water. Despite arguments from his defense team, including the presence of DNA evidence linking Carmack-Belton to a gun found at the scene, the prosecution maintained that Chow remains a danger and a flight risk. A pretrial hearing for the case is scheduled for November.
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Tropical Storm Chantal, which formed off the coast of South Carolina, was forecast to make landfall in the Carolinas early Sunday, triggering tropical storm warnings in the area. The National Hurricane Center predicted the storm would hit between Charleston, South Carolina, and Cape Fear, North Carolina, bringing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Heavy rainfall, potential flash flooding, gusty winds, and high rip currents were expected across the Carolinas through Monday, with total rainfall amounts between two and four inches, with local amounts up to six inches. The storm is anticipated to rapidly weaken after landfall, but the South Carolina Emergency Management Division stated it would begin impacting the state Saturday.
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James Robertson, a South Carolina death row inmate convicted of murdering his parents, seeks to represent himself, potentially accelerating his execution. This decision follows the recent executions of five fellow inmates, including his best friend, significantly impacting the death row population. A federal judge has granted a delay to ensure Robertson understands the ramifications of self-representation, ordering an evaluation to confirm his competency. Robertson’s history includes previous attempts to drop his appeals, indicating a potential pattern of behavior, although he has expressed understanding of his friend’s similar decision to volunteer for execution.
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Brad Sigmon, 67, was executed by firing squad in South Carolina, the first such execution in the U.S. in 15 years. He chose this method over lethal injection or the electric chair due to concerns about their potential effects. Three prison employees carried out the execution, firing simultaneously at Sigmon from 15 feet away. Sigmon’s last statement urged fellow Christians to abolish the death penalty.
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Jordan Dove, 34, died from injuries sustained after triggering a shotgun booby trap at a family member’s vacant home in Saint Matthews, South Carolina. Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the booby-trapped shotgun upon securing the scene, which also revealed barricaded doors. Authorities have identified Alfonzo Brown, currently incarcerated, as a suspect and anticipate filing charges. Sheriff Summers noted the inherent danger to law enforcement posed by such a situation, emphasizing the ongoing threat faced by officers daily.
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Brad Sigmon, a South Carolina death row inmate, has opted for execution by firing squad on March 7th, becoming the first U.S. inmate to choose this method in 15 years. His decision stems from concerns regarding the prolonged suffering witnessed in recent lethal injections in the state, as well as the potential for a painful death by electric chair. Sigmon’s lawyers have filed an appeal citing ineffective counsel at his trial, but the state’s Supreme Court has yet to rule. His final chance for clemency rests with the governor.
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Following a two-month search, all 43 rhesus macaque monkeys that escaped from the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee, South Carolina have been safely recovered. The last four monkeys were recaptured this week and appear healthy. The escape occurred due to unsecured doors, and the young, female primates were never used in research. Local police and the Alpha Genesis facility expressed gratitude for community assistance in the successful recapture effort.
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McColl, South Carolina Mayor George Garner II died in a car accident while being pursued by law enforcement, the chase intended to ensure his well-being rather than for any alleged crime. This incident follows the resignation of the town’s entire police force just days prior, citing a hostile work environment created by repeated harassment and personal attacks from a town council member. The former police chief also cited Garner as the source of a hostile work environment in a previous resignation. Garner had recently won re-election.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker