Reward increased for information related to deputy’s death

WALTERBORO — The wife of fallen Colleton County Deputy Dennis Compton pleaded with the public today to contact police if they know anything about her husband’s death last month.

“I would just like to say that my family and I plead with anybody who might have any information, whether it’s small or large, to please come forward in the killing of my husband and the father of my children,” Tabatha Compton said in a press conference.

Authorities announced Wednesday that there is now a $25,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever fatally shot Compton while he was responding to a burglar alarm near Smoak last month.

The National Police Defense Foundation donated $10,000 and a local law firm, Hetrick, Harvin & Bonds, added $5,000 to the $10,000 reward the Colleton County Council put up last month.

Authorities are also asking for information about a T-shirt that was found on Sunflower Drive, about a half-mile from the scene, the day of the shooting.

The shirt says in black and white letters, “It’s nice to Meet you. You really seem like an interesting person.” The white letters spell out, “I’m Lying.”

State Law Enforcement Division Capt. Roger Heaton said they don’t know if it’s evidence or not.

He asked the public to call if they know anything about the shirt so they can rule it out or pursue it as a lead.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 843-549-6530 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.

Read more details in tomorrow’s Post and Courier.