Tony Santaella

Columbia

Digital Director at WLTX-TV (Columbia, SC)

I'm THE Tony Santaella (or at least the one who works in TV news) | Digital Director for WLTX-TV

Articles

Clarendon deputies want to question this man in connection to fatal shooting

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — Clarendon County deputies say they have a man they want to question in connection with a recent fatal shooting. Officers said they want to talk to Ricardo McFadden of Summerton, who's also known by the name "Trick," about the death of 32-year-old John Edward Rhames. Deputies said around 7:42 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, they were called to a scene at Washington Street and Louis Street in Summerton. When they got there they found Rhames lying in a ditch.
Man shot, killed after argument over stolen lottery ticket in Richland County, deputies say

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Richland County deputies said a man was shot and killed following an argument over a stolen lottery ticket in Lower Richland County. Officers said around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 they got a call of a report of the stolen ticket at a location in the 800 block of Congaree Church Road. That's in an area not far off Bluff Road near Gadsden. According to deputies, the report said a dispute was occurring. When deputies arrived on scene they heard a gunshot.
WCNC

1 week ago | wcnc.com | Tony Santaella
John Rhames III killed in Clarendon County, search on for suspect

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — Clarendon County Sheriff's deputies are searching for the person who killed a man and left his body in a ditch. Deputies said around 7:42 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, they were called to a scene at Washington Street and Louis Street in Summerton. When they got there they found a man who was dead lying in a ditch. According to investigators, the man had been shot in the back of the head. The victim was identified as 32-year-old John Edward Rhames of Summerton.
SC Senate gives key approval to new liquor liability bill, but with their entire tort reform bill attached

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Senate has given key approval to a bill that would reduce liquor liability costs for bars and restaurants. However, they did it by attaching their entire tort reform bill, which has an uncertain future in the House. The measure passed second reading Tuesday on a 35-5 vote. It still must be approved on a third reading, likely on Wednesday. The Senate had the option of just passing H. 3497, which addresses liquor liability laws in South Carolina.
Body of missing man found in Clarendon County, vehicle still not recovered

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — Clarendon County deputies said they have found the body of a man who was reported missing several days ago by his family. Sheriff Tim Baxley said Tuesday that the body of 25-year-old Tyrese Najae Lawson was found the night before. According to Baxley, deputies got a call around 7:30 p.m. Monday that someone walking down a dirt road in the Home Branch Community of Clarendon County had seen a body in the woods.
Gamecocks star Collin Murray-Boyles has made up his mind about turning pro. Here's what he decided

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball star Collin Murray-Boyles has decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility. Murray-Boyles announced his decision on social media Tuesday morning. "To the city of Columbia and Gamecock Nation, thank you for shaping me into the basketball player, and, most importantly, the person I am today.
WCNC

1 week ago | wcnc.com | Tony Santaella

Now playing WCNC Charlotte's news team gives you updates on the latest news events of the day, as well as updates on sports, weather and traffic. #News #Charlotte Now playing The latest news headlines, weather, and reporting from the newsroom of WCNC Charlotte. Covering Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding South Carolina. Plus live coverage of breaking news...
Russell Laffitte agrees to plea deal in Alex Murdaugh financial crimes case

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A former prominent banker accused of helping convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh with some of his financial schemes has agreed to a guilty plea. Online records show Russell Laffitte entered into the deal with federal prosecutors late last week. The agreement must still be approved by a judge at in the coming weeks date. Laffitte is accused of helping Murdaugh move money around to help avoid detection of his thefts from his law firm and clients over several years.
Columbia selling office building at 2221 Devine Street to make technology hub

1 week ago | wltx.com | Tony Santaella

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia is set to vote Tuesday on the sale of an office building near Columbia's Five Points. City council will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday to approve a first reading of the the sale of the property at 2221 Devine Street. That's the building that's about four stories high and a block away from the intersection of Devine and Harden streets.