Hunter A. Laycock : “Innocent Man Fights to Clear Name”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A South Carolina resident, Hunter A. Laycock, finds himself grappling with the repercussions of being wrongfully linked to a series of arson incidents that he had no involvement in, more than a month after the initial misidentification.

The confusion began on March 25 when Columbia police arrested an individual named Jarod Stacy for allegedly setting fire to multiple Walmart locations in the area. However, Stacy provided authorities with Laycock’s name during the booking process, resulting in Laycock being incorrectly tied to the crimes.

Despite the police quickly rectifying the error, Laycock continues to navigate the aftermath of the ordeal, expressing concerns that the situation may not be fully resolved.

Reflecting on the chaotic events of March 26, Laycock described the experience as a “mad dash” to clear his name and address the false accusations levelled against him. The uncertainty and fear of being associated with criminal activities he had no part in were unsettling for Laycock.

In the aftermath of the incident, Laycock still grapples with unanswered questions regarding how the mix-up occurred, especially with Stacy being booked under his name. He speculates that his lost identification may have been obtained by Stacy, who has a history of prior arrests in South Carolina and other states.

Despite paying a mysterious medical bill that he received following the misidentification, Laycock remains wary of potential future repercussions, hinting at the possibility of further unknown consequences.

Seeking clarity on the situation, Laycock and WIS requested booking documents and phone call records related to Stacy’s incarceration. However, Richland County authorities indicated that accessing these records would incur significant costs and require extensive redaction.

Critics, including media law attorney Jay Bender, have raised concerns about the transparency of information sharing in Richland County, highlighting the need for greater access to public records without exorbitant fees.

Richland County attorney Patrick Wright defended the redaction costs, citing the need to protect individuals’ privacy in compliance with legal requirements. However, Bender argued that public bodies should prioritise transparency over financial barriers to access information.

As Laycock grapples with the aftermath of the false accusations, he advocates for improved protocols in law enforcement and detention centres to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He suggests the implementation of advanced technologies, such as facial recognition systems, to enhance accuracy in identifying individuals during arrests and bookings.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Laycock remains hopeful for a resolution to the situation and emphasises the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.