DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (TCN) – A man has been charged in connection with the discovery of his father’s body in a barrel, authorities say.
WMBF reports that Darlington County Sheriff’s Office deputies as well as officials from the Darlington County Coroner’s Office responded to a residence on March 18 after receiving a report of a death. Judson Hawkins III was arrested on suspicion of desecrating a body after his father, 82-year-old Judson Hawkins III, was found dismembered in a barrel in the garage. He was then charged with obstruction of justice and desecration of human remains and was booked into jail.
WBTW reports that Hawkins III allegedly moved the body of his father from the house to another location on the property, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the outlet. Hawkins III allegedly “repeatedly provided false information in an attempt to impede a missing persons investigation.”
WBTW reports that Hawkins Jr. is believed to have been dead for an extended period of time, according to Coroner Todd Hardee. The cause and manner of his death have not yet been released. WPDE reports that Hardee said the body was found in a 55-gallon drum and that he believes Hawkins Jr. did not die at the hands of another person.
Hans Schneider, an area restaurant owner, said that Hawkins Jr. came in frequently. He said, “He was quiet, but yet very cordial, and we really enjoyed seeing him. He brought festivity to the establishment.”
WNCN reports that a magistrate denied bond for Hawkins III and that he will remain in custody until his next scheduled court appearance on June 3.
The investigation is active.
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