Gibbons attack suspect caught

Victor McCoy Weldon, 23, of 470 Pioneer Road of Sumter was arrested last week for the attack on Manning resident Edward “Slick” Gibbons on May 15. He is being charged with burglary of first degree, assault and battery with intent to kill, kidnapping, grand larceny, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett said that Weldon could serve life in prison if he is found guilty of all of the above crimes.

Deputies had been working on the case for more than two months, and were led to the suspect based on strong forensic evidence, according to Garrett.

“My staff has worked hard on this case and have not let up. They continued to follow every lead, every bit of information that we’ve received,” Garrett said.

Reports state that Gibbons was severely beaten by three suspects on the early morning of May 15, and was found in his garage with duct tape wrapped around his head and face. His car was stolen and later recovered several miles from the scene.

According to Garrett two suspects have been caught so far and are being held at the Clarendon County Detention Center.

If you have any information regarding this case contact the Sheriff’s Office at 435-4414 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC to leave an anonymous tip.