Man gets 20 years for death of brother

A 54-year-old man was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for bludgeoning his younger brother to death in late 2008 with an ax handle at a North Augusta home.

Richard Hett, 54, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter Wednesday for the September 2008 death of 50-year-old David Hett.

The terms of the plea were agreed upon by law enforcement, the victim's family and the legal team, said Stephen Kodman, assistant solicitor.

According to reports, the elder Hett struck his brother multiple times with a weapon, which was described as both a stick and an ax handle, confessing to law enforcement that he hit his brother until he "stopped screaming."

Richard Hett claims he threw the weapon in the river after the bludgeoning. It was never recovered.

According to witness testimony, prosecutors said Richard Hett went to his brother's East Buena Vista Avenue home hours after an argument the two had over a "family issue."

It was unclear whether Richard Hett brought the weapon with him or picked it up at the residence.

The younger Hett reportedly won that fight earlier in the day, and Richard Hett was still upset, Kodman explained.

According to Richard Hett's testimony, his brother asked him if he wanted "some more" and the fight erupted.

Official said the victim put up a fight, but he was overcome by his brother.

Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said the body was not discovered until several days had passed, adding that the body was badly decomposed.

"He lived alone," Kodman explained. "The body was found after a friend tried to reach him."

Police said drugs and alcohol were involved.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.