Where is Franklin Wright?

Submitted photo.

The search continues for Franklin Wright, a man wanted in the connection of several violent crimes including the murder of two women in Aiken early last month.

Where is Wright?

Aiken County Sheriff's Office Capt. Charles Barranco said that is a hard question to answer as investigators are not sure of Wright's whereabouts at this time.

Wright, 55, of Oliver Drive in Beech Island, is wanted for murder along with an arson charge and was said to have last been seen in Richmond County around Hephzibah, Ga., last Thursday, said Barranco. Authorities in both South Carolina and Georgia are working to find and arrest Wright.

A warrant for his arrest was issued Thursday for the Aug. 11 murders of 75-year-old Yana Schenker of Aiken and 38-year-old Shalamar N. Byrd of Augusta. He is also wanted for an arson charge for the fire set at Schenker's Paddocks Bend home. Both women died of asphyxiation and the fires were said to be set to possibly hide evidence. Schenker's body was found in her home while Byrd's remains were found 10 miles away in a wooded area off Storm Branch Road.

The search is ongoing as officials are determined to apprehend Wright.

"That is our focus - to try to get this guy picked up," Barranco said.

Barranco said that, at this time, investigators are not sure where Wright is. He added that Wright has had a good amount of time to move around and pinpointing his exact location is difficult.

Barranco reiterated that, if Wright is seen, call authorities immediately. He said any tips of Wright's whereabouts would help lawmen concentrate on a single area during their search.

Authorities have spoken with Wright since the murders took place - he was actually one of a few who were questioned recently by ACSO investigators in regards to the murders, said Barranco, but there was not enough probable cause at that time to take Wright into custody.

Details of why Wright was questioned, a connection between him and the victims nor a motive has been discussed by authorities. Barranco said more details will emerge later.

Wright is also wanted for another violent crime that occurred last Wednesday when 54-year-old Jennie Hope was severely beaten at her job at Lotto Express located at 13th and Broad streets in downtown Augusta. It is not clear if this brutal assault had any connection to the homicides.

Wright has a long list of convictions, dating back to the 1970s, serving time for rape, attempted escape, multiple assaults and armed robberies.

Barranco said that authorities have been working diligently on this case. Since the murders on Aug. 11, authorities identified both the burned bodies and the murder suspect.

"I know there has been a lot of hours put into this case," Barranco said.

If you see Wright, call authorities but do not approach him - he is considered armed and dangerous. The last tip received said Wright was armed with a handgun.

Anyone with information on Wright is asked to call the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (800) 922-9709. Individuals also should call CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at (888) CRIME-SC. Callers can remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.

Contact Amy Banton at abanton@aikenstandard.com.