Sheriff: Jasper County fatal shootings drug-related

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office believes drugs played a role in three murders last week, though a press conference Thursday revealed few other details of the continuing investigations.

"Drugs are involved, but to what extent, I don't know," Sheriff Gregory Jenkins said.

Jenkins said deputies also are investigating whether the shootings involve gang activity, though he said no suspects have been identified. Investigators have not determined whether the incidents are related.

Residents have also reported several attempted shootings since the Nov. 11 and 12 slayings, but no one has been injured, Jenkins said.

Anthony King Jr. of Ridgeland was killed Nov. 11. Dewayne Lamont Manuel, 41, of Hardeeville was killed Nov. 12. Terrance Deanthony Johnson, 32, of Ridgeland was killed later that evening and found the morning of Nov. 13.

Four other people have been murdered in Jasper County this year. Arrests have been made in three of those cases, according to the 14th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Jenkins said he plans to speak with residents across the county about the shootings. He's also working with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division to increase visibility of officers.

"We're going to use every available resource," Jenkins said.

Anyone with information can call Silent Witness at 1-800-446-1006 or the Jasper County Sheriff's Office at 843-726-7779.

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Sheriff: Jasper County fatal shootings drug-related."