News Summary
The trial for the murder of retired police lieutenant Larry Vaughan is set for August 2024 at the Moss Justice Center in York. Following a series of delays, both the community and Vaughan’s family seek justice for his tragic death, which occurred in 2021. The case gained attention due to the involvement of former sheriff’s deputy Evan Robert Hawthorne, who has pleaded not guilty and remains free on bond.
Rock Hill Sets Trial Date for Murder of Retired Police Lieutenant
Rock Hill, SC – The trial for the murder of retired Rock Hill police lieutenant Larry Vaughan is now scheduled for August 18, 2024, at the Moss Justice Center in York. This decision follows a series of delays that have prolonged the legal proceedings since Vaughan’s death on July 23, 2021.
Vaughan died in his downtown apartment, located just across the street from the Rock Hill Police Department, where he dedicated 30 years of service. His body was discovered just hours after the murder charge was brought against Evan Robert Hawthorne, who was arrested that same day. As of now, Hawthorne, who has pleaded not guilty, remains free on a $250,000 bond since December 2022.
The case has faced multiple delays primarily due to past connections between York County prosecutors and Vaughan, prompting Spartanburg County prosecutors to take over the investigation. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to court closures, further impeding the progression toward a trial.
Background on the Incident
On the night before his death, Vaughan and Hawthorne were reportedly drinking at Tattooed Brews bar. Following their time at the bar, it is alleged that Hawthorne went to Vaughan’s apartment. Investigative findings, which included video surveillance and witness statements, pointed to Hawthorne’s involvement in Vaughan’s death, with police discovering Hawthorne with blood on his clothes shortly after the murder was reported.
At the time of his death, Vaughan was 54 years old and had recently retired from his position within the police force. Vaughn’s family, particularly his sister Lori Williams, has expressed frustration and anguish over the ongoing delays in the judicial process, labeling it as a “horrible nightmare.”
Legal Developments
The upcoming trial will be overseen by S.C. Circuit Court Judge Keith Kelly, who is expected to address pre-trial motions in the week leading up to the trial date. The criminal trial against Hawthorne is separate from a civil lawsuit, which Vaughan’s estate has filed against both Hawthorne and the bar where the two men spent the evening before the tragic incident. While the civil case has been amended and refiled, a date for that trial has yet to be established.
Hawthorne, who previously served as a sheriff’s deputy in Chester County until he was terminated in 2019, has retained well-known defense attorney Jack Swerling and South Carolina House member Todd Rutherford to represent him in the murder trial.
Health Factors
According to autopsy reports, at the time of death, Vaughan had a blood alcohol level of .27, which is more than three times the legal limit for driving in South Carolina. This detail adds another layer to the complex circumstances surrounding the case.
As the trial date approaches, both the community and Vaughan’s family remain hopeful for justice, while also grappling with the emotional toll that the lengthy proceedings have taken. The investigation and upcoming trial not only highlight the tragic loss of a respected police officer but also illustrate the lingering impact of crime on families and communities.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Crime Report
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- WCNC: Rock Hill Shooting Suspect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
- Record Online: Monticello Man Charged
- Google News: Rock Hill crime
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