Arrests Made in Deadly Aiken County Shooting
Two Men Charged with Murder After Body Found on Porch
Aiken County, South Carolina, February 8, 2024 – A duo of men have been arrested and charged in connection to a grisly murder in Aiken County that left one person dead. Austin Blake Satcher, 26, and Zackery Taylor Smith, 28, have been charged with murder and first-degree burglary following the discovery of a body on the porch of a residential property, announced the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
Charges Detailed
Alongside the shared charges of murder and first-degree burglary, Satcher faces further charges for possessing a weapon during a violent crime. The charges relate to the death of the victim, identified as Joseph A. Keenan Sr., as stated by law enforcement officials.
The Crime Scene
The grim discovery of Keenan’s body was made on January 31st when a passerby dialed the sheriff’s office to report a body on the porch of a house situated in the 2000 block of Augusta Road. Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables later confirmed the identity of the deceased occupant, concluding that the cause of death was gunshot wounds.
Capture of Suspects
Smith was apprehended without any hitches at a Warrenville residence situated in the 200 block of Pelzer Street, only about a mile’s distance from where Keenan’s body was unearthed. Satcher, meanwhile, was already in custody at the Aiken County Detention Center on unrelated charges when the fresh accusations were leveled against him.
Unanswered Questions
The Sheriff’s Office has commended community members for providing crucial information that led to the arrests. However, how the accused, Satcher and Smith, are linked to the fatal shooting, and what motive they could have had, remains unclear. Moreover, it is unknown whether the suspects had any prior connection to the deceased, Keenan.
Continuing Investigation
Despite the significant breakthrough in the grim murder case, the Sheriff’s Office has stated that their investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who may have further information that could assist in the case are urged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office.
Update on Court Proceedings
Given the developing nature of the case, facts and details may change with time as more concrete information comes to light. This article will continually be updated to reflect these changes as the case progresses in legal proceedings.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
