Deputies hunt for gunman in murder
A 35-year-old Aiken man was shot dead in North Augusta late Monday in what officials have said appears to be a drug deal gone bad.
Paul Joseph Lirley, 35, of Marvin Drive in Aiken, was pronounced dead near Crestlyn Drive and Weston Street about 7 p.m., said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.
Deputies with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office received some information about the gunman from a family member of the victim's family, but deputies did not have an identification at press time.
Investigators then called on the bloodhound tracking team to search for gunman, but witnesses said they saw the man get into a vehicle nearby.
He was last seen getting into a white Oldsmobile Alero with tinted windows.
The accused shooter is described as a black male in his late teens. He is between 5 feet 7 and 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 160 to 180 pounds.
The Aiken County Coroner's Office and the Aiken County Sheriff's Office are investigating.
An autopsy is scheduled in Newberry today to determine the cause of death.
The manner of death is homicide, said Carlton.
This is the third homicide reported in Aiken County in four days.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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 Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.
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