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APD says suspect Johnathan Torell Kelly is still at large and is wanted for homicide.
On August 13, Ronnie Crawford of Varnville, died after being shot at Bluff Road and Sam Street in the Town of Allendale.
On August 27, fourteen days after the shooting, the Allendale Police Department (APD) sent out a press release which said that suspect Johnathan Torell Kelly, 34, is wanted for kidnapping and the homicide of Crawford. He also has charges for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to the press release.
Allendale Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins said the two-week gap between the killing of Crawford and the press release calling for the suspect of the murder was because of the investigation.
“Normally press releases are done right then and there but given the nature of what happened and the information we were getting and who we were looking at, we opted to hold off, thinking it was the best route for the investigation,” Wiggins said.
As of August 29, Kelly is still wanted by the APD and an investigation with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is still ongoing. Wiggins said the community should assume that Kelly is armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding the case or Kelly’s whereabouts should contact the Allendale Police Department Tip Line at (803) 584-2178 or email AT@allendalepolice.com. Both options are anonymous.
