Authorities still on lookout for shooting suspect

Local police are still searching for the gunman who opened fire outside a North Augusta house late Monday, killing an Aiken man and then escaping before police arrived, according to officials.

Paul J. Lirley, 35, of Aiken, died from a gunshot wound to his chest, said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

Deputies have not identified the shooter.

Lirley was shot near 1134 Weston St. in North Augusta about 7 p.m. Witnesses told deputies they heard about five shots fired and called police, but when they arrived, Lirley was dead.

Although officials with the coroner's office said they believe the shooting was the result of a drug deal gone bad, one woman who claims to be a family friend said she knows the family well and does not believe Lirley had recently been involved with drugs.

He had been in trouble when he was younger, but Susan White said Lirley was the poster child for having turned himself around.

Lirley had been in and out of prison between 1994 and 2005 on drug, burglary and other charges. According to state prison officials, Lirley had been in trouble while incarcerated early on, but did not have any disciplinary infractions after 1998.

Officials review disciplinary reports and consider them when they determine a person's willingness to change.

After 1998, Lirley went a long time without any disciplinary infractions, said Josh Gelinas, communications director for the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

White said Lirley had committed to changing his life. She described him as a good husband and father, adding that she believes he was an innocent victim.

"I truly believe he was at the wrong place at the wrong time," she said.

The sheriff's office has been tight-lipped about the investigation thus far.

Lirley celebrated his 35th birthday Monday and was in North Augusta to pick up a gift from his family, a family friend said.

"My heart goes out to his family and his in-laws," White said.

The gunman was last seen getting into a white Oldsmobile Alero with tinted windows.

He is described as a black man in his late teens. He is between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 160 to 180 pounds.

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.