Police seek man for murder

An accomplice whom police linked earlier this week to the shooting death of a North Augusta man but failed to charge him with the homicide has now been accused of murder.

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office holds warrants for the arrest of Vincent Marlous Manning, 33, of Weston Street in North Augusta.

On Wednesday, deputies linked both Robert L. Smith, 18, of Shannon Lane in Aiken, and Manning to the Nov. 23 murder of 35-year-old Paul Lirley; however, at the time deputies issued warrants for Smith for the murder, they linked Manning only to the apparent drug deal.

Deputies said only that Manning was a person of interest in the murder, but he now faces murder and armed robbery charges.

He is still at large and considered armed and dangerous.

Deputies have already detained Smith.

Deputies say both Smith and Manning are responsible for the shooting that claimed Lirley's life. Lirley was shot to death in the backyard of a Crestlyn Drive home where deputies say he was lured as part of an armed robbery.

Witnesses told deputies they heard about five shots around 6 p.m. on Nov. 23 and called 911, but when law enforcement arrived, Lirley was dead.

Anyone with information about Manning 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.