Lexington, SC 07/02/2026 Scott M. Horton, 59, received a sentence of forty-five (45) years in prison following his conviction for murder in the beating death of his common law wife, Patricia Smerdell, on or about June 20, 2020. Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin imposed the sentence following a recent jury trial in Lexington County. The jury returned a guilty verdict of Murder on Friday, June 19th, 2026. Horton will not be eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Jordan Cox. This case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. On the morning of Saturday, June 20th, 2020, Scott Horton made a 911 call reporting that his wife was not breathing and was unresponsive on the floor. Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the couple’s home located at 105 Wynnsum Trail following the 911 call. Upon entering the residence, first responders noted that Patricia Smerdell had been deceased for several hours and had numerus bruises across her face and body. Scott Horton reported that he found his wife on the floor after he arrived home from work the night before. He stated that he observed bruising on her face, placed a blanket over her, and left her in the floor overnight. Four days later, in a second interview with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Horton made inconsistent statements about when he first found his wife injured on the floor. An autopsy was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina by forensic pathologist Dr. Angelina Phillips on June 23, 2020. The autopsy documented over 30 separate injuries to Patricia Smerdell, including multiple patterned injuries consistent with the use of a blunt force tool or instrument. The pathologist noted injuries to the victim’s head, face, ear, chin, torso, shoulder, hip, and lower back. The pathologist determined that the numerous injuries were inconsistent with a fall. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death was homicide. At trial, it was established that Scott Horton and Patricia Smerdell were the only two occupants of the home. There were no signs of a burglary, no signs of forced entry, and no items of value were missing from the home. Evidence set forth that the couple had a history of animosity, including testimony from a neighbor that he heard frequent arguments between the pair. Law enforcement was previously called to the residence in 2017 and 2018 due to civil disputes between the couple. Horton has been transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of the sentence. During the sentencing phase, the family of Patricia Smerdell shared photographs and memories of her as a mother, sister, and business professional. If you or someone you know is in need of services or experiencing domestic violence, you may reach the Sistercare Crisis Line at (803) 765-9428.

Irmo, SC 06/26/2026 - The Town of Irmo is proud to announce that Mayor Bill Danielson has been selected by the Nominating Committee of the Association of South Carolina Mayors (ASCM) to fill an unexpired one-year term on the organization's Board of Directors. This appointment recognizes Mayor Danielson's commitment to municipal leadership and provides the Town of Irmo with an expanded voice in statewide conversations affecting South Carolina's local governments. The ASCM Board of Directors meets twice annually to develop educational and training opportunities for South Carolina’s Mayors, discuss legislative advocacy at the State House, and coordinate initiatives that strengthen municipalities across our state. The association also hosts mayoral forums during Hometown Legislative Action Day and the Municipal Association of South Carolina's Annual Meeting, providing opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of best practices among municipal leaders. Mayor Danielson was recently appointed to the prestigious 2026 Small Cities Council for the National League of Cities. "I am honored to be selected to serve on the Association of South Carolina Mayors Board of Directors," said Mayor Bill Danielson. "This opportunity allows me to represent the Town of Irmo while working alongside mayors from across our state to exchange ideas and further advocate for our Irmo communities. Local governments each face unique opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to bringing those conversations back to Irmo as we build a community where residents and businesses are continuing to thrive."

IRMO, SC 06/20/2026 -The Town of Irmo has officially named longtime resident, educator, and community advocate Julie Zimmerman as the first-ever recipient of the Heart of Irmo award. Coordinated by Councilman Mike Ward and presented by the Irmo Town Council, this new semi-annual honor recognizes outstanding local volunteers who demonstrate an exceptional, selfless commitment to uplifting the community. Councilman Ward introduced the award by highlighting the vital role that local volunteers play in our community. "Over the last several years and decades, we're seeing fewer and fewer people step up and volunteer their time," Ward noted. "There are a lot of unsung heroes. And so, we started the Heart of Irmo award, awarded to volunteers who are giving back to their community completely selflessly." When the town turned to the public for nominations, Zimmerman’s name rose to the top. Community submissions highlighted her extensive hands-on advocacy, noting that she is "always willing and ready to support her neighbors and community by assisting those with food insecurity." Another nominator added, "Julie embodies the joy of service. Julie and Irmo go hand in hand." Upon accepting the award, Zimmerman expressed her gratitude and shared the simple motivation behind her efforts. "I am humbled and honored, and it's such a blessing to be recognized," Zimmerman said. "But the reason why I do what I do is to help people. My efforts to serve my neighbors are at the heart of everything I do. Whether it's starting Neighbors Helping Neighbors (an initiative that provides resources to those in need), helping Councilman Penfield with the free Christmas tree distribution, or simply seeing someone in need at Kroger and giving them a smile. This is just really at the heart, no pun intended, of what Irmo is. Giving back to the place that has given so much to me is one of the greatest honors of my life." The Town of Irmo extends its deepest congratulations to Julie Zimmerman for her unwavering service and for setting a definitive standard for what it means to be the "Heart of Irmo."

Lexington, SC 06/20/2026 - Christopher Lamar Corbitt, a 34-year-old Wagener man, has been sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison following his conviction at trial in Lexington County for Trafficking Methamphetamine, more than 28 grams but less than 100 grams, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Circuit Court Judge Martha Rivers presided over the jury trial and imposed the sentence when the trial concluded on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Under South Carolina law, trafficking drugs is classified as a violent and serious offense. Corbitt will not be eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitors Player Long and Melissa Moon. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. During the summer of 2024, investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s Multi-Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team were conducting an ongoing investigation into Corbitt. On July 8, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Corbitt’s vehicle in the Pelion area of Lexington County. A search of Corbitt’s vehicle yielded just over 93 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. There were additional items of evidence in the vehicle that indicated Corbitt sold drugs. Assistant Solicitor Long commented that “methamphetamine has a devastating impact on our communities. This verdict and sentence demonstrate our commitment to working alongside law enforcement in aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers who threaten the safety of Lexington County residents.” Corbitt will be transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

Lexington, SC 06/09/2026 - Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is proud to unveil the third “Greetings From” mural in their “Connecting and Protecting Communities” series across Lexington and Richland counties. The “Greetings from Columbia” mural has been installed in partnership with the City of Columbia at the top entrance to Finlay Park, almost directly adjacent to the park’s signature spiral fountain. It was designed and painted by Austin Garrett Reagan, with input and guidance from the City of Columbia, and was funded by Keep the Midlands Beautiful. The first “Greetings From” mural was unveiled in Swansea in July 2025 and the second was unveiled March 9, 2026 in Lexington. “The ‘Greetings from Columbia’ image and the anti-litter and recycling theme will be a vibrant greeting for visitors to our newly re-opened Finlay Park, and inspire civic and community pride,” said Columbia Strategic Initiative Administrator Skot Garrick. “These murals are designed to help instill pride among residents and visitors in our city and state. We each play a role in keeping our community an attractive, healthy, happy, and safe place for all of us to live, work and play. Something as simple as putting litter where it belongs, every time, can make a tremendous difference,” said Traude Sander, Executive Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful. To learn more about volunteering with Keep the Midlands Beautiful, to donate towards litter reduction, recycling, beautification or educational programs, or to sponsor a “Greetings From” mural in one of the other 19 municipalities across Lexington or Richland counties, go to https://kmbsc.org, email programs@kmbsc.org or call (803) 733-1139. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Greetings from Columbia” mural will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 11:00 am in front of the mural at the top entrance (Laurel Street) to Finlay Park.

Pelion, SC - 06/09/2026 - Pelion Rookie Ball All-Stars finished as the runner up in the Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB) District 4 All-Star Tournament on June 3, 2026, and advanced to the state tournament in Orangeburg on June 27th - 30th. Front Row (L-R): Nolan Shumpert, Nolan Downey, Colton Dallis, Grant Roebuck, Graham Lundeen, Colton Woodward; Middle Row (L-R): Zaidyn Smalls, Jackson Ritchie, Jace Roark, Koen Skinner, Easton Holderness, Drayton Green-Garner; Back Row (L-R): Justin Shumpert (Manager), Assistant Coaches: Cody Roebuck, Jack Lundeen, Chris Woodward, Austin Dallis

Lexington, SC 06/09/2026 - In addition to Lexington One's weekly summer meal pick-up program, children can enjoy free breakfast and lunch at four Lexington One school sites throughout June. The Details: When: Now through June 25 (Monday–Thursday) Breakfast: 7:15–8:30 a.m. Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Participating Meal Sites Forts Pond Elementary School Gilbert Elementary School Oak Grove Elementary School Saxe Gotha Elementary School How is this different from the weekly meal pick-up program? The on-site meal program is designed for families who want a convenient daily option. No registration required — Walk-ins welcome! Breakfast and lunch served Monday–Thursday. Meals must be enjoyed on site. The weekly meal pick-up program remains available for families who prefer to take meals home and requires advance registration through ParentSquare. For more information, contact Krista Hineline at 803-821-1378 or khineline@lexington1.net

Swansea, SC 06/09/2026 - Joey Len Inabinet, Jr., a 31-year-old Swansea man, was convicted on Friday, May 22, 2026, by a Lexington County jury for the Murder of Robert Todd Bailey and the Attempted Murder of another individual. Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod, IV, presided over the week-long jury trial that began on Monday, May 18, 2026, and sentenced Inabinet to Life Imprisonment on the Murder charge and a concurrent thirty (30) year sentence on the Attempted Murder. Under South Carolina law, murder and attempted murder are classified as violent, most serious offenses. The life sentence for the murder must be served day-for-day. Senior Assistant Solicitor Sutania A. Fuller, Senior Assistant Solicitor Robby McNair, and Assistant Solicitor Melissa Moon handled the prosecution of this case. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department. On June 25, 2024, Inabinet shot and killed Robert Todd Bailey (“Todd”) and seriously injured another person on Todd’s property on Calvary Church Road in the Swansea area of Lexington County at approximately 5:13 a.m. Todd’s property was heavily wooded and multiple people lived there. Evidence presented at trial established that Inabinet and Todd had prior difficulties. It was believed that Inabinet had a problem with Todd and a third individual who reported to Inabinet’s father that Inabinet was trying to sell a riding lawnmower without his father’s permission. On June 23, 2024, two days prior to the shooting, Inabinet removed his ankle monitor that morning and later that night assaulted Todd and this third individual. The jury heard testimony that Todd was recovering from the assault injuries at the time of his death, including a black eye. This third individual was not on the property at the time of the shooting. There was no indication that Inabinet had any difficulties with the surviving victim. The jury also heard testimony, listened to the 911 call, and watched body camera clips that established that the shooter was driving a pickup truck and that the shooter was Inabinet. The jury also heard from the surviving victim who also lived on the property. He described that he was with Todd and they were about to drink coffee and talk at an outside table. He described going inside to get the coffee and when he came back out the shooting started. He further testified that although it was dark he knew the shooter was driving a pickup truck and that the walk and body size matched Inabinet’s. He also testified that he heard Todd say “no Jo-Jo” during the shooting. The surviving victim further described that he was shot twice in the face and attempted to hide from the shooter. He saw the shooter walk to the pickup truck and walk back toward him shining a bright LED flashlight with a distinctive sequence pattern. Inabinet shined his flashlight on the surviving victim and shot again, striking him in the back. The surviving victim then ran away making it to the main road where he was helped. Todd was pronounced dead on scene. Evidence presented during the trial established that Inabinet was driving his father’s white Toyota Tacoma at the time of the shooting, which he took without permission. Inabinet was detained by Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department with the Tacoma and a boat attached at approximately 11:40 a.m. on June 25, 2024. The jury saw a video of Inabinet taking the boat after the shooting from a local business in Chapin establishing that he was the person driving the vehicle. Officers obtained a search warrant for the Tacoma and located a LED flashlight under the driver’s seat that was still on. During the searches of the vehicle, .22 caliber ammunition was recovered. Inabinet’s clothes were seized at the time of arrest, and an unfired .22 caliber cartridge was in the front pocket of his jeans. Law enforcement also recovered a fired .22 caliber cartridge casing at Inabinet’s residence. Expert testimony at trial matched a .22 caliber cartridge casing at the scene with the .22 caliber cartridge casing from Inabinet’s residence. At autopsy, the pathologist recovered a small caliber projectile that was determined to be a .22. The murder weapon in this case was never recovered; however, the jury saw photographs and a video of Inabinet with a .22 caliber pistol taken the week before the shooting. The jury heard recorded calls in which Inabinet confessed to the shooting, including one call where he stated that he was at the end of his “running spree.” The jury also heard Inabinet tell a caller that “sh*t happened and I did what I did.” During closing arguments, the prosecutor showed the jury that the flashlight still worked and demonstrated for the jury the distinctive sequence pattern described by the surviving victim. Senior Assistant Solicitors Fuller and McNair and Assistant Solicitor Moon commented that “senseless acts of violence often defy rational explanation but have devastating and irreversible impacts on the victims, their families, and our community.” Inabinet has a significant criminal history with prior convictions for domestic violence, failure to stop for blue lights, drugs, burglary, and multiple probation violations. Inabinet has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.

Lexington, SC 06/09/2026 - The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program invites community members to become volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The next FREE online training begins Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with additional trainings offered every four weeks. Volunteer GALs are trained to advocate for a child’s best interests in Family Court, helping ensure safety, stability, and permanency. Training Details: Begins: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (virtual) Format: Virtual with Morning and evening sessions available Application deadline: July 7, 2026 Requirements: Age 21+, clean background, no prior DSS history For additional information, contact Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov.

ABANDONED VEHICLE The below listed vehicles have been abandoned in Calhoun County and are currently housed with the company listed below. Pursuant to applicable South Carolina Law, the owner and or lien holder has the right to claim the motor vehicle within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody. The failure of the owner and or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle with the time provided it is deemed as a waiver by the owner and or lien holder of all rights, title, interest, in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the vehicle at public auction. If not reclaimed within the time period outlined above the vehicle may be disposed of according to state law. These cars are not for sale we are trying to find the owners 2005 Dodge Neon - 1B3ES56C25D177164 2011 KIA Optima - KNAGN4A72B5087700 2000 Peterbuilt - 1XP5DB9X6YN482816 2021 Subaru Outback - 4S4BTADC5M3147327 2011 Honda Accord - 1HGCP2F65AD98361 2001 VCTY- Motor Cycle - 5VPCB15D913001481 2006 Nissan Quest - 5N1BV28U16N124573 2024 Honda Accord - Burnt no vin White 2011 Ford Crown Victoria - 2FABP7BV8BX10315 2013 Dodge Avenger - 1G3CDZCB0DN625532 2024 KIA Forte - 3KPF24AD8RE826547 Baker Brothers. Sydney Baker 803-543-7455 06/01/2026

ABANDONED VEHICLE Gaston, SC 05/29/2026 - The below listed trailer has been abandoned in Calhoun County and is currently housed with the company listed below. Pursuant to applicable South Carolina Law, the owner and or lien holder has the right to claim the trailer within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the trailer in custody. The failure of the owner and or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the trailer with the time provided it is deemed as a waiver by the owner and or lien holder of all rights, title, interest, in the trailer and consent to the sale of the trailer at public auction. If not reclaimed within the time period outlined above the trailer may be disposed of according to state law. Trailer is not for sale we are trying to find the owners MEC Motors, LLC 2019 Hyundai - Vin : 3H3V532CXKR148002 White Dry Van Trailer with Swing Doors Sample Photo:

Irmo, SC 05/20/2026 - The Irmo Police Department arrested Joseph Seth Braxton at a residence in New Friarsgate on May 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Braxton has been charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Violent Crime, Drug Trafficking, Possession with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Upon executing a search warrant of the residence, the search yielded: 106oz Plant Marijuana 9oz (minimum) THC Vape Products 46oz THC Wax 3g LSD x3 Alprazolam 2.6oz Psilocybin Approximately $11,400 US Currency x3 semi-auto handguns x1 Revolver x2 Assault Rifles x1 Shotgun Assorted Ammunition Braxton was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.