Accident – death – Obituary News :

Two Upstate Sheriffs Call for Bond Reform After Double Homicide

Following the tragic deaths of two women in Greenville County, South Carolina, two sheriffs from the Upstate region are urging lawmakers to take action on bond reform. The victims, identified as Anissa Henderson and Kelli Whitten, were found dead in a home in Taylors after a reported house fire. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office revealed that both women suffered traumatic head injuries and burns, although the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Release of Person of Interest Raises Concerns

Sheriff Hobart Lewis expressed his frustration, stating that the person of interest in the murders was released from jail while wearing an ankle monitor. Lewis strongly believes that this individual should not have been released, emphasizing that they pose a serious threat to the public. “He’s just murdered two people and could have harmed even more, all because our system is flawed,” Lewis proclaimed.

Location of Suspect and Fatal Confrontation

Deputies were able to locate the person of interest through a license plate reader, leading them to a residence in Landrum, Spartanburg County. Upon confronting the suspect outside the home, a confrontation ensued and the person pulled out a weapon. This resulted in a fatal shooting, with no law enforcement officers sustaining injuries. Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright expressed his frustration with the situation and urged lawmakers to prioritize community safety.

Lawmakers Discuss Bond Reform

State Rep. Jason Elliott, representing Greenville County, highlighted the bond reform bill passed the previous year, which aimed to establish a uniform monitoring system. While Elliott acknowledged the potential benefits of monitoring in ensuring public safety, he emphasized the importance of monitoring companies effectively notifying victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors.

State Sen. Karl Allen, representing Greenville County, highlighted the constitutional right to a reasonable bond. He raised the question of whether penalties should be strengthened or new penalties introduced for individuals who commit crimes while out on bond, and whether such penalties should be mandatory or discretionary for courts to decide. Allen and Elliott both expressed their openness to revisiting the bond reform law if necessary.

Investigation and Conclusion

The identity of the person of interest who was killed in the fatal confrontation has not yet been released by the Spartanburg County coroner. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has taken over the investigation into the shooting. The tragic incident has brought the issue of bond reform to the forefront, with the hope that necessary changes will be made to prevent similar incidents in the future.

.