The Edgefield Advertiser was notified by the Aiken County Coroner’s Office on Thursday, May 7, that a man living at a residence on Polk Lane in Trenton (Aiken County) was found dead in his home on Wednesday, May 6. According to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton, 81 year old Claude G. Ward was last seen alive on Tuesday afternoon, May 5. Neighbors discovered Mr. Ward‘s body after the owner of the home requested they check on Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward’s death has been ruled a homicide as an autopsy revealed that he was beaten to death.

The ACSO confirmed that Donald Hurtekant has been arrested and charged with murder and Burglary 1^st for this crime. He was arrested in Virginia and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for another suspect in connection to this murder. Sandra Evans is wanted for accessory after the fact murder. Anyone with information in regards to her whereabouts is asked to call the ACSO.

The ACSO is still investigating this crime. The Advertiser will continue to follow this case and report updates when they become available.

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Updated to add information about one of the suspects being taken into custody.