Man gets 36 years for killing

WALTERBORO -- A Walterboro man will serve 36 years in prison for beating to death his ex-girlfriend's mother last year.

Haskell Frasier III, 35, put an abrupt end to his three-day murder trial Thursday when he agreed to change his plea to guilty to murder, first degree-burglary and grand theft without a plea deal or sentence recommendation from 14th Circuit solicitors. He faced a possible sentence of life in prison.

Brenda Bailey, 47, was beaten to death inside her home on Sept. 12, 2008.

Deputy Solicitor Sean Thornton, who called it one of the most gruesome killings he's ever prosecuted, said evidence showed that Frasier beat Bailey with his bare hands and possibly with a vacuum cleaner.

Authorities say he wrapped Bailey's body in a blanket and loaded it into her 1992 Chevrolet Camaro. When he turned out of the driveway, the car door opened and part of her body could be seen hanging out of the car. Authorities say he then dumped the body into the road and drove about a block before he wrecked.

Thornton said they were preparing to present a third day of witness testimony when Frasier changed his plea.

"He has maintained his innocence as far as I know until this morning," Thornton said.

Circuit Judge Perry Buckner sentenced Frasier to 36 years in prison.

Thornton said the victim's family was pleased Frasier got more than the minimum sentence.

"This was one of the worst beating deaths I've ever seen," he said. "Frasier deserved more than the minimum 30-year sentence. We, along with the victim's family, are satisfied with the sentence that was handed down."

Reach Andy Paras at 937-5589 or aparas@postandcourier.com.