Caitlin Bell

2 weeks ago | aikenstandard.com | Caitlin Bell

The promise of solving crimes more quickly, efficiently and accurately is coming to the Lowcountry as police cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory that is the first of its kind in the tri-county region. The new DNA testing laboratory is expected to mark a new chapter in the Charleston Police Department's ability to solve crimes. It is an expansion of the forensic crime laboratory building on Bees Ferry Road that has been open since early 2021.

2 weeks ago | aikenstandard.com | Caitlin Bell

MONCKS CORNER — Nearly a month after authorities found a man and a woman dead inside a Lowcountry home from an apparent murder-suicide, authorities have finally released their identities. Darlisha T. Mcllwain, 43, and Johnnie B. Elmore, 55, were found fatally shot March 12, according to Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell. Deputies arrived around 6:30 a.m. that day to a Cicadas Song Drive home to find the pair dead in the upstairs master bedroom, according to an incident report.

2 months ago | aikenstandard.com | Caitlin Bell

A Charleston County Sheriff's detention deputy was granted bond Feb. 14 after being arrested a day earlier on accusations he provided contraband. Former deputy Brian Stewart Ward, 41, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, furnishing contraband in a county prison and misconduct of a public official, according to online inmate records. He had been employed with the agency since October, according to Sheriff Carl Ritchie. Ward appeared via video before Magistrate Judge Amanda Haselden.

Jan 23, 2025 | aikenstandard.com | Caitlin Bell

Days after a winter storm dropped blankets of snow across parts of the Lowcountry, crews with the S.C. Department of Transportation continue working around the clock to clear snow, slush and hazardous refreeze. Even with salt and brine treatments, “things aren't melting like we were hoping that they would,” she said. And with NWS calling for bitter cold overnight, officials are expecting icy conditions to continue into Jan. 24 before thawing later in the day. As of 10:30 a.m. Jan.

Jan 21, 2025 | aikenstandard.com | Caitlin Bell

Predicted snowfall for the Lowcountry has "modestly" increased and a cold weather advisory has been extended for the next two days, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service. Charleston and Beaufort counties are predicted to see a snow-sleet mix in the late afternoon Jan. 21 which could turn into snow overnight. There is a "significant" chance for snow and freezing rain between 8 p.m. tonight and 6 a.m. Jan. 22.