Friends and co-workers of slain Sam's Club manager David Holt gather for a candlelight vigil, surrounding a cross shaped from shopping carts in the store parking lot Thursday night. There were prayers and hymns, and several co-workers shared their memories of Mr. Holt. JONATHAN ERNST/STAFF

Victim honored at vigil

Mr. Holt later was found burned to death in the trunk of his car in North Augusta

Web posted June 26, 1998

By Meghan Gourley
Staff Writer

In the same parking lot where David Holt was last seen alive, more than 200 people gathered Thursday night to pay tribute to the slain man.

After burying the 45-year-old Sam's Club manager, friends, family and co-workers held a candlelight vigil in the club parking lot and remembered Mr. Holt, who was abducted Saturday night and apparently forced back to the store where it was robbed.

Mr. Holt later was found burned to death in the trunk of his car in North Augusta.

Employees who worked with Mr. Holt remembered him as an enthusiastic and special man, devoted not only to his work, but also his family.

Through tears and laughter, several friends and employees shared personal experiences about Mr. Holt and vowed not to rest until his killer is caught.

``I know it's easy because of how he died to harbor anger in our hearts,'' a former co-worker said, ``but the Bible tells us we reap what we sow. The person who did this will reap what he sows.''

Even as friends and co-workers of slain Sam's Club manager David Holt were gathering at the store for a candlelight vigil in his memory, workers were adding more cameras to the existing security system at the store. This unit looks down from the roof onto the parking lot. JONATHAN ERNST/STAFF

Authorities in Georgia and South Carolina continue their search for the killer, who police said knew the Bobby Jones Expressway store well.

Revealing few details of the investigation, police said they continue to follow leads and interview employees and former employees.

Wal-Mart, the parent company of Sam's Club, is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the killer's arrest and conviction. Authorities plan to circulate posters publicizing the reward today.

A statement issued by Wal-Mart chief executive officer David Glass said the company will increase the reward if necessary and provide any resources needed.

Wal-Mart also has established a trust fund for Mr. Holt's two sons. Contributions can be made at any NationsBank.

Anyone with information should call the Richmond County Sheriff's Department at (706) 821-1080 or the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (803) 642-1761 or (800) 922-3211, or Crime Stoppers at (803) 624-1798.