The Jasper County Coroner’s Office has named the two Hardeeville residents who were shot and killed Tuesday afternoon near an apartment complex in the southeast city limits.
Alesia Dykes, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after gunshots rang out around 12:35 p.m. Tuesday. Bernard Lyles, 38, was rushed to Coastal Carolina Hospital but later succumbed to his multiple gunshot wounds. Their autopsies were expected to be performed Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, according to coroner Willie P. Aiken.
The double homicide occurred at the Walsh Drive Apartments, a public housing complex located off SC 46 (Main Street). A more than hour-long manhunt for the suspected shooter led police to Ridgeland, about 15 miles away, where they arrested New Yorker Charles Saunders.
The update sent by officials did not include Saunders’ age, and it was unknown if he lives in the Jasper County area. A spokesperson for the Hardeeville Police Department could not be reached for additional information.
At the request of the Hardeeville Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will assist in the investigation.
