Murder investigation leads to drug bust

Collecting evidence: Aiken Public Safety officers arrested three men at a Greenville Street home in Aiken on Wednesday, seizing drugs, money and a weapon. Staff photo by Karen Daily.

Aiken Public Safety officers detained three men on Greenville Street who bolted from a Greenville Street home Tuesday when investigators arrived to talk with a person of interest about a weekend murder, officials said.

The person wanted for questioning in the death of Moses Williams, 19, of Princess Lane in Aiken was not detained, said Aiken Public Safety Lt. David Turno.

Turno said it was too early to say if that person, whom police have not publicly identified, was at the residence around 3 p.m. when investigators arrived.

Instead, police found an armed man, drugs and what investigators said was drug money.

The officers chased after the gunman and took him into custody, Turno said.

Jonathan Lott, 24, of Aiken faces possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, failure to comply with a lawful order, possession of a weapon by a felon and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Devlin D. Simpkins, 21, of Aiken is charged with failure to comply with a lawful order.

Ronald Anthony Harris Jr., 40, of Aiken faces drug charges.

Residents on Greenville Street emerged from their homes and watched as police detained several men and women.

Police released some of the individuals they had detained after questioning those at the residence.

Investigators continue to follow leads into the murder of Williams and ask for the community to continue to call with tips and information to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, Turno said.

You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of $50 to $1,000.