Lexington, S.C. – A tragic scene unfolded in a quiet Lexington neighborhood where the body of a local man was discovered inside a burning home, sparking a complex investigation by local authorities. The deceased, identified as Caldwell Melton Motley, Jr., 38, suffered multiple stab wounds, according to the Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
The unsettling discovery was made early Saturday at a residence in the 200 block of Oak Ridge Lane after firefighters were called to extinguish a blaze. Upon controlling the fire, authorities found Motley’s body, leading the sheriff’s department to launch a death investigation.
As the investigation progressed, another individual was found in a nearby shed showing signs of severe assault, including a swollen face and lapses in and out of consciousness. This second victim was immediately taken to the hospital and is reportedly recovering.
The neighborhood, known for its safety and tranquility, has been shaken by the incident. Pamela Smith, a long-time resident since 2000, expressed her shock, noting that no such crime had ever occurred in the area before. “It’s eerie,” she added, reflecting the sentiment of the community.
Ryan Broach, another local, commented on the unusual activity that night, describing it as “bizarre” given the otherwise peaceful setting. “This is the first time I’ve ever really heard or seen any kind of issue where it seems like there’s some sort of danger,” Broach said.
Details about what led to the violent events remain unclear, and residents are anxiously awaiting further information. The sheriff’s department has yet to confirm whether the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation involving foul play.
The State Law Enforcement Arson Team, along with the sheriff’s department and the coroner’s office, are diligently working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the fire and the subsequent discoveries. Their investigation is ongoing as they piece together evidence from the crime scene in an effort to understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic night.
For a community accustomed to peace and security, the incident has been a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime. As officials continue their investigation, residents are left hoping for answers and reassurance that their neighborhood remains a safe place to live.