1 arrested, 1 wanted after body found in burning house

Lexington, SC 08/15/2024 - Lexington County deputies have arrested one man and are searching for another man connected to the killing of a man whose body was found by firefighters inside a burning home last month.

Deputies arrested Edward Leroy Smith (left), a 39-year-old Winnsboro resident, Tuesday night. He is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center after a magistrate judge denied him bond Wednesday morning.

Smith is charged with murder in the stabbing death of Caldwell Melton Motley Jr., according to arrest warrants. Smith is also charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of a man who was found injured inside a detached garage beside the home that burned July 20 in the 200 block of Oak Ridge Lane.

Donovan Ryan Holman (right), a 33-year-old Lexington resident, is wanted on charges related to the case, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon.

“Over the course of their investigation, detectives determined Smith stabbed Mr. Motley to death,” Koon said. “Detectives also determined Smith seriously wounded another man at the scene by striking him with an edged object. Victim and witness interviews, evidence and electronic data indicate Smith was at the Oak Ridge Lane scene shortly before a 911 call was made in reference to smoke coming from the house.

“We encourage anyone who might have a tip on where Holman might be to let us know by using the Midlands Crimestoppers mobile app,” Koon said. “You will remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.”