Abduction, rape alleged

Girl tells police she was thrown out of van

May 3, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

A young girl reportedly was abducted from a school bus stop Wednesday, sexually assaulted and then thrown out of a van, according to Greenwood police and eyewitness accounts.
About 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, a call went out for officer assistance over police band radio scanners. The call said a girl had phoned 911 moments earlier saying she had been abducted from a school bus stop.
The call indicated the suspect, described as a black man driving a van, had thrown the girl out of the van at or near Greenwood County Library.
The girl allegedly said she had been sexually assaulted while she was held captive, and that she was experiencing back pain from being pushed out of the van.
Emergency dispatchers advised officers the girl wished to meet at the Bank of America on Main Street in Uptown Greenwood.
Police officers and EMS workers quickly responded to the bank.
The girl, who appeared to be a pre-teen, was waiting for police in an office just to the left of the bank’s front entrance.
“I didn’t even know she was in here,” said Bank of America employee Theresa Griffin.
“I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I saw the police officers come in.”
Griffin said she didn’t know if the phone call to police for assistance came from inside the bank and added she did not see the girl use a bank phone.
The girl was visibly anxious as she spoke to police, and her hands shook as she talked. Officers were overheard asking her if the van was moving when the suspect threw her out; she responded the van was not in motion when she was forced out.
The girl, who had dark skin and hair, was dressed in common attire of a student her age, wearing blue jean shorts, a T-shirt and shell toe sneakers. She had a pink bookbag.
EMS workers carefully stabilized the victim, put her on a stretcher and took her to Self Regional Healthcare.
Greenwood Police Detective Steve McGee arrived shortly after EMS workers and the initial group of officers and took charge of the investigation. McGee said later Wednesday evening the investigation was ongoing and that more information might be released today.
Staff writer Mike Rosier contributed to this story.

‘Bombs’ tossed near school

Police say teens weren’t trying to hurt anyone

May 3, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE — Four teenagers were arrested by police near Abbeville High School Wednesday after allegedly tossing two “over-pressure” devices — a type of bomb — out of a vehicle, resulting in a pair of loud explosions.
The noise quickly drew the attention of the school’s resource officer, who alerted law enforcement to a possible gun shot — or what he’d heard of the sound of the explosions — originating from a vehicle on a street adjacent to the school.
Police discovered the explosions came from two devices thrown outside of the vehicle. At no time did the devices present any danger to anyone at the school, nor did there appear to be any malicious intent by the suspects to injure anyone, police said.
“There was never any danger to anyone at the school,” Lt. Detective Curtis Killian said. “They weren’t trying to hurt anyone. They just wanted people to hear it.”
The teenagers — ages 18, 17, 17 and 15 — were charged with disturbing school and possession, manufacturing or distribution of an over-pressure device. State statutes say over-pressure devices are classified as bombs.
State statute 16-23-710 says an over-pressure device is “a container filled with an explosive gas or expanding gas or liquid which is designed or constructed so as to cause the container to break, fracture, or rupture in a manner capable of causing death, injury, or property damage, and includes, but is not limited to, a chemical reaction bomb, an acid bomb, a caustic bomb or a dry ice bomb.”
Killian said such devices do have destructive capabilities.
“This type of a device, within a close enough proximity, can injure, maim or even kill someone,” he said. “We’re taking this seriously.”
Three of the youths reportedly spent the night in jail, and will have bond hearings this morning. The 15-year-old suspect was released to his parents.
Punishment for the charges — a Class C felony according to state statutes — could reach a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Saluda runner aiming for gold

May 3, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

Saluda High School’s Markel Mobley has continued to shine at multiple positions as a member of the Tigers’ track and field team.
Actually, his skill at multiple positions was on display during his final year as a member of the Tiger football team. Now, he’s putting his stamp on multiple events in track.
What’s the best way to describe Mobley?
A jack of all trades, yet master of none?
That might not be accurate if Mobley has his way in this weekend’s track and field state championships at Spring Valley High School in Columbia.
Mobley, who committed to Newberry College three months ago, might line up as a wide receiver or a defensive back when the Indians’ football season starts.
It’s likely he’ll make his presence known no matter what position he plays. The proof is in the numbers.
Mobley scored nine offensive touchdowns for the Tigers while also intercepting opposing quarterbacks six times during the season. His seventh pick came in the North-South game.
As far as his track skills go, Mobley made quite a statement at last weekend’s Upper State meet at Broome High School in Spartanburg.
The speedster finished first in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter sprint events and the long jump.
“The explosion that I have when I come out of the blocks is something that I take from football,” Mobley said. “It’s almost like when you get that jump on a wide receiver and break in front of him for a pick. It’s the same thing in a race when you’re running side by side and then you get that extra step.”
Mobley’s personal records in the events (100 meters, 10.5 seconds; 200, 21.6; 400, 50.1; long jump, 22-10) are definitely state championship worthy if he can match — or exceed — them this weekend.
“I’m trying to win them all this weekend,” Mobley said. “I would love to be MVP and make the All-State team.”
Mobley said although he may be considered one of the favorites this weekend, especially with last year’s four-event winner Markish Jones — a Clemson-bound Broome football star — not participating, he’s not letting his guard down. Still, he remains confident.
“Right now I’m just trying to stay focused,” Mobley said. “I’m working on getting my times down and having fun like I have all season. I was looking forward to running against him (Jones), but I didn’t go to Broome (site of the Upper State finals) just for him.”
Tigers’ coach Chris Worrock said Mobley’s work ethic is what has catapulted him past the competition this season.
“He’s had as good a year as anyone I’ve ever had,” Worrock said. “I could have given him a workout and left him alone, and he would have done it and a bit more. He’s having an extraordinary year.”
Worrock said Mobley’s work ethic has been a great example for his teammates.
“We had a lot of young participate this season,” Worrock said. “I think it helped them to see him work as hard as he did. It really helps.”
Mobley said he relies on self motivation and has dedicated this season to his grandfather, James Springs, who has dealt with health issues.
“I know he would come out and see me if he was feeling better,” Mobley said.
Mobley said he enjoys helping his younger teammates, including T.J. Jones, who participates in the 200 and high jump, and he has a bit of advice that he applies to what he does.
“Just try to be the first (at practice) and the last to leave,” Mobley said. “I try to set the bar as high as I can. This weekend I’m aiming at the records in every event. Hopefully I can get a record. That’ll let people know that Saluda was at the top.”

Lander, Erskine extend seasons

May 3, 2007

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

Lander University’s men’s tennis team and Erskine College’s women’s team hit the tournament road as they play in the Mid-Atlantic Regional — Lander at USC Upstate and Erskine at Columbus State.
Lander meets Georgia College and State University at 2 p.m. Friday, while Erskine takes on Columbus State at 4 p.m. today.
This marks the second consecutive year for the Bearcats to make the regional; they lost to USC Upstate last year.
“The first thing we have to think about is Georgia College,” Lander coach Brett Simpson said. “We have to go out there, play strong and get the job done. It’s a good match for us and we feel good about our chances.”
Paced by sophomore Joakim Karlsson, the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year, Lander is third in the Mid-Atlantic Region and seventh in the national NCAA Division II rankings.
“We’ve stayed fairly consistent all year,” Simpson said. “The most disappointing match was a loss to Florida Southern, but other than that, we’ve played consistently well throughout.”
The Bearcats lost to USC Upstate in the conference tournament, but Simpson said, “It was extremely close. If we’re to beat a team like that, it will be close.”
On a good note, Lander (15-5) has experience on its side.
“They know as a team that we can beat any team on a given day,” Simpson said. “If we can get through the regional, we can do well at the national tournament. We’ve played most of the top teams, and we are competitive with anyone. It really comes down to the day and performing on that day.”
For Erskine, it is the third straight year in which the Lady Fleet have gone to Columbus, Ga., and faced the hometown team in the regional. The first two matches went Columbus State’s way, but Erskine coach Calhoun Parr knows he has more experience at the higher level.
“We have four seniors and we have some experience after having been there before,” Parr said. “The first year, we were just glad to be there and last year we played well in doubles, but just didn’t finish well.”
Of the seniors, Ellen Dawson, Julie Mages and Miroslava Stojkovic will be counted on heavily, but Kimmons Kiser will be sidelined because of an injury.
“Columbus State is very strong, but on a given day you never know what will happen,” Parr said.
“We’re going to go down and go after the doubles early because that’s one of our strong points.
“Hopefully, we can handle the pressure and finish strong. Our players are playing well right now and we know what to expect.”

Obituaries

Annie F. Calhoun

CALHOUN FALLS — Annie Florence Calhoun, 76, of 933 Anderson St., widow of Ollie Calhoun, died Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Emory Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Ga. Richie Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.

Helen Conway Barr

NINETY SIX — Helen Conway Barr, 62, of 213 Little Mountain Road, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center. Born in Greenwood County, she was the daughter of the late Jeff and Willie Williams Conway. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Senior Choir and the Missionary Society. She was also a member of the Little Mountain Community Club.
Survivors include one brother, Charlie Conway of Ninety Six; one sister, Mae L. Peterson of Detroit, Michigan; and a niece, Erika Page Conway, who was reared in the home.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Friendship Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Anthony Sims. The body will be placed in the church at noon. Burial is in the Evening Star Cemetery. Pallbearers are nephews and friends of the family, and flower bearers are nieces and friends of the family.
The family is at the home of a sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Conway, 110 Porter Dr., Ninety Six.
Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Emory Malachi Patterson

WARE SHOALS — Emory Malachi Patterson, infant son of Ashley Ann Patterson, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at the Hospice House of the Piedmont.
Survivors include his mother and one sister, Makyah Shanice-Ann Patterson of Ware Shoals.
Graveside services are at noon today at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, conducted by Bishop Emanuel Spearman. Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Rosa Roberts

Rosa Franklin Roberts, 76, formerly of 1548 Parkway, widow of Don L. Roberts, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Kirby L. Robinson

NINETY SIX — Mr. Kirby Labine Robinson, Tillman Territory Road, departed this earthly life on May 2 at home. He was the son of the late Malachi and Elease Goode Robinson of Ninety Six. Mr. Robinson was a 1969 graduate of Edgewood High School. He served in the United States Army and also in the Army Reserves. For most of his adult life, he had been employed by Greenwood Mills. He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ninety Six.
Mr. Robinson was formerly married to Joyce Kemp Robinson. He is also survived by a daughter, Nahketah D. Robinson of Charlottesville, VA; two sons, Eric Tremayne Robinson of Greenwood, and Kevin Hill of Laurens County, SC.
Mr. Robinson also leaves to mourn his passing three brothers, Stanley (Sandra) Robinson of Saluda, SC, Barry (Delois) Robinson of Ninety Six and Michael Robinson of Charlotte, NC.
In addition, he leaves two grandsons, Eric Savon and Isaiah Raekwon Robinson, a granddaughter, Sa’Eryon Robinson of Greenwood, and a paternal uncle, Carnell Robinson, Ninety Six.
Mr. Robinson’s loss is also mourned by his companion, Carolyn Davis Carter, and her children, Robin, Eric, and Karen.
Those wishing to pay condolences may do so at the individual homes. Immediate family will be at 218 Wheatfield Drive, Greenwood.

Jimmy Sligh

James Everett Sligh, Jr., 56, of 203 W. Laurel Avenue, husband of Suzanne Baker Sligh, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at his home.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late James E. and Betty Jean Page Sligh. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and attended Lander College. He was formerly employed by AC&S Engineering and was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are his wife of the home; three daughters, Catherine Sligh and Rebecca Sligh, both of the home and Kelley Adams of Angleton, TX; a sister, Susan S. Sefick of Pawley’s Island; two brothers, William P. Sligh of Greenwood and Robert Sligh of Bogart, GA; and three granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. James D. Dennis, Jr. officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1:30-2:45 p.m.
The family is at the home.
It is requested that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Opinion

Learning from the past? Are we passing the test?

May 3, 2007

It’s sobering to think that most South Carolinians living today have no recollections of the World War II years. Most Americans, in fact, have no memories of the threats that Nazism and fascism were to all of the world. Those were serious times and they brought a degree of patriotism to the fore that has not been seen since. That ought to give everyone pause to consider some attitudes today. Contrary to some thinking, it’s not always true that what goes around comes around.
That, no doubt, worries some WWII veterans. There still are many of them around Greenwood who must wonder what they fought for when they witness some of the demoralizing litter strewn across today’s political landscape.

IT MAY EVEN BE HARD for some of them to believe that some defeatist attitudes are as rampant as some polls tell them are the rule instead of the exception. Some question the polls, saying they have never been asked how they feel nor do they know anyone who has been asked.
No leader in Congress would ever have publicly berated President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announce that the war was lost. That kind of negativism would have been a slap in the face to Americans opposing the enemies of civilized people everywhere. It’s no different today, either.
That negative approach, however, doesn’t receive the universal rejection now that it received back when the enemy was no more dangerous than the enemy facing the world today.

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT IF we fail to learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it.
When so many people don’t even remember those critical times, and history books are sometimes revised to present a different picture of how it was, the handwritings don’t have to be in a book ..... they’re on the wall.
In some respects the world today is in a far more precipitous position that it was during WWII.
Then we fought nations. Now we are faced by an enemy driven by extremist interpretations of religion: Either believe what they believe or die. It’s that simple. The most important consideration today is obvious ..... except for, perhaps, the politically blind.
Think about it. There are no borders. To terrorists that means open season on all they see as infidels, anywhere, anytime. No need to count ‘em. It’s everyone who has any belief contrary to Muslim extremists’ radical thinking.