Police seek suspect ID help

Investigators with the Manning Police Department seek the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect in the June 28 attack of former Clerk to the County Council and Administrative Assistant Betty Pritchard.

Friends and Family of Betty Pritchard have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for Pritchard’s attack.

Some time between midnight and 5 a.m. on June 28, Pritchard was brutally attacked by a man she has described as being of medium build, height and skin tone.

“Mrs. Pritchard was very alert and completely able to participate in creating the composite of her attacker with a SLEC forensic artist,” said Investigator Eric Rosdale of the Manning P.D.

Pritchard was at her former South Brooks Street office on June 27, as she was preparing for Tuesday of that week to be her last day of work for the county.

“She had carried a box out to her car and when she went in for another load, her attacker followed her and attacked her inside her office,” Rosdale said.

At press time, Rosdale said that he believed Pritchard was still hospitalized. She was flown by helicopter to Palmetto Richland due to the severity of her injuries, which included a skull fracture and multiple defense wounds to her hands.

“We are following up on every tip, regardless of where it comes from or who the informant says it is,” Rosdale said.

“We need citizens to keep calling in. We have gotten several good leads but they might not be right and the next call might be the one that helps us solve this case,” he added.

Those with information can call the Manning Police Department at 435-8859 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME SC (888-274-6372).

Tips to Crimestoppers that lead to the arrest of suspects, as well as the recovery of stolen property and drugs are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000, which are paid to tipsters on an anonymous basis.