By Betsy Finklea
Two arrests have been made in a murder in Latta that occurred last Tuesday, according to Chief Crystal Moore.
Moore said that Willie Gregory Morrison, age 38, 3648 Hwy. 34 West, Latta, has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, burglary first degree, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Moore said that Lorenzo Detwan Smith, age 30, 202 Beckwith Circle, Latta, has been charged with murder and burglary first by the Latta Police Department and possession with intent to distribute marijuana by SLED. Moore said evidence discovered linked Smith to the crime scene.
Coroner Donnie Grimsley identified the victim as Jesse Barr, age 56, 123 Antonio Street, Latta.
Officers received a call around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27th on Antonio Street in reference to a shooting. Officer Patrick Cashwell, the first officer on the scene, found a black male, who had been shot, laying on the porch.
The victim, who was then in and out of consciousness, told the officer that a man had kicked in the door and shot him. The victim was transported to the hospital and later died.