Crime

Orangeburg Sheriff's office brings down murder suspect with CCSO help

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Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced that a suspect has been taken into custody Wednesday night after a fatal shooting at a Santee residence.
“This was an absolutely and undeniable senseless act,” the sheriff said. “There was no reason in this world to justify this shooting.”
Ravenell said 51-year-old Richard Amous has been charged with murder as well as possession of a weapon during a crime.
The Santee man is expected to make a court appearance on Friday where he will be formally charged.
Amous is accused of shooting his estranged spouse at her Avacado Drive residence in Santee.
Witnesses called 911 around 7 p.m. Wednesday after hearing what was described as a loud pop.
Witnesses found the 48-year-old victim on a floor inside the residence with an apparent injury to her upper body.
After fleeing the scene, Amous was later taken into custody just inside Clarendon County.
Ravenell said special thanks are due to Sheriff Tim Baxley and the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, Elloree Police Department, Santee Police Department, and the SC Highway Patrol for providing manpower. The sheriff said the SC Department of Natural Resources assisted by bringing in dog teams as well as a dive team.
“Every one of these agencies are to be commended for locating and apprehending this individual,” he said.