Anderson County, South Carolina The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that one individual was arrested in connection with a homicide in Townville.
On Tuesday morning, September 16, deputies responded to a call on Highway 24 about a man discovered deceased with several gunshot wounds. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Loren Mathew Morones, 56, and ruled his death a homicide.
Immediately following the initial call, deputies from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office told the Anderson department that a stolen vehicle, a white 1990 Chevrolet pickup truck, was moving through Anderson County. A Uniform Patrol deputy noticed and attempted to stop a truck, which then attempted to drive away. The truck crashed into a ditch on Fields Avenue, and the driver, identified as the suspect in the Townville homicide investigation, was arrested.
The suspect was identified as Walhalla resident Justin Dwain Harris, 35. Deputies said Harris and Morones were acquaintances, but the motivation is unknown. Harris was charged with murder and carrying a weapon during a violent crime. Harris is also charged with receiving stolen items and failing to stop for blue lights.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has charged Harris with grand larceny for the pickup vehicle, and he will be brought back to Oconee County after his court hearings in Anderson County.
Harris is currently awaiting a judge at the Anderson County Detention Center.
