Manhunt nets suspect for Florence kidnapping and murder, second suspect sought

Keith Williams Submitted photo.

One man is in custody and another is still at-large following a five-hour manhunt in Aiken County Wednesday for two suspects linked to a kidnapping and armed robbery in the City of Florence.

Keith Williams, 22, of Aiken, is being held at the Aiken County detention center on kidnapping, conspiracy, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and armed robbery charges stemming from the Florence Police Department.

Deputies teamed up with state agents and Florence police officers to serve Williams and a second suspect with the warrants at a Green Road residence around 4 p.m., Aiken County Sheriff's Office spokesman Capt. Troy Elwell said

Williams was detained, however, the second suspect fled on foot, he said.

Officials are still seeking 19-year-old Marion Tutt Jr., of Green Road in Aiken.

He faces similar charges, Elwell said.

Tutt should be considered armed and dangerous.

Elwell said a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter, several Bloodhound Tracking teams and multiple law enforcement officers spent hours around Green Road searching for Tutt.

According to media reports in Florence, a Friday night armed robbery and kidnapping has already landed a 19-year-old in custody.

Law enforcement sources indicate that the Aiken men may be wanted in connection with this crime. However, Elwell could not confirm the connection.

James E. Murphy II, 19, of Cobblestone Street in Florence, is in jail for a kidnapping that began when the victim was carjacked in Florence at gunpoint.

Deputies in Marlboro County spotted the car stolen from Florence and made a traffic stop.

Two individuals exited the car and confronted the deputes at gunpoint, the Florence Morning News reports.

Marlboro County Sheriff's Office deputies reportedly fired at the suspects, but the men were able to escape into the woods, according to reports.

Murphy was arrested, officials said.

At least one other man was said to be on the run.

In addition to the charges pending against Williams, he has an arrest history that includes attempted murder, two counts of assault and battery with intent to kill, weapons and drug charges.