Murder suspect David Mark Hill is wheeled to a waiting ambulance after his capture in a heavily wooded area near the DSS office. Photo: Steve Shelton/Staff

Police transfer man accused in North Augusta DSS shootings to Law Enforcement Center

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By Brian Neill
Staff Writer

The man police say killed three South Carolina social workers was transferred Monday from the Medical College of Georgia hospital to a medical wing of the Richmond County Law Enforcement Center, where he awaits extradition.

David Mark Hill, 36, of North Augusta, was taken to the jail about 2:45 p.m. Monday after his condition was upgraded to fair, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Mr. Hill had been hospitalized at MCG since Sept. 17, following an apparent suicide attempt. Police found him that same morning lying across railroad tracks not far from where the killings occurred at the DSS offices on Martintown Road in North Augusta.

Mr. Hill was immediately transported to the nearest trauma unit - Augusta's MCG. Because he crossed the state line, an extradition hearing must be held before he can be returned to South Carolina, officials say.

On Monday Mr. Hill was served with a fugitive warrant to clear the way for a hearing to be held, said Sgt. Tim Pearson of North Augusta's Department of Public Safety.

``I don't have an exact (hearing) date yet, but obviously we're very interested in getting him back over here into South Carolina to face the charges he's faced with,'' Sgt. Pearson said.

Danny Craig, Richmond County district attorney, said a hearing could come as early as today now that a fugitive warrant has been served.

Chief Deputy Ronald Strength of the Richmond County Sheriff's Department said Mr. Hill will remain at the jail's medical wing until his extradition.

If returned to South Carolina, Mr. Hill will be served with three warrants for murder, one for kidnapping and one for assault and battery with intent to kill, Sgt. Pearson said.

DSS caseworkers Michael Gregory, Josie Curry and James Riddle all died of gunshot wounds to the head Sept. 16, the day of the shootings. The kidnapping charge stems from allegations that Mr. Hill pointed a gun to Mrs. Curry's head and forced her to take him to Mr. Riddle, who was investigating him and his family.

The assault and battery with intent to kill charge relates to caseworker Annette Michael, who is said to have dropped to the floor and played dead so she wouldn't be shot.

Staff writer Kelly Daniel contributed to this article.