Memorial for victims of shooting set today

 R.E. Phelon's tribute
 Criminals have access to weapons
 A culture of violence
 Security not primed for shootings
 Last Phelon shooting victim buried

Web posted September 22, 1997

By Tracie Powell
Staff Writer

A public memorial service remembering the victims of the shooting spree at R.E. Phelon Co. last week is being held today.

Scheduled for 3 p.m., the service will take place at First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St., Aiken.

Those who want to attend the memorial should take Aiken-Augusta Highway to downtown Aiken. After passing the fountain in the center of town, turn left on York Street; First Baptist Church sits on a corner on the left side of the road, across from the Salvation Army, organizers said.

Four people were killed at the Aiken plant a week ago today when ex-employee Arthur Hastings Wise, angered over being fired, walked into the plant and shot seven people, police said.

Two of the three people wounded in the attack remain in the hospital. John Mucha, 60, and security guard Lt. Stan Vance, 49, were both listed in stable condition at Aiken Regional Medical Centers, a hospital spokeswoman said Sunday afternoon. The third victim, Jerry Corley, 44, was treated for a bullet wound in his hip and released from the hospital last Monday evening.

Mr. Wise, of North Augusta, has been charged with four counts of murder, assault and battery with intent to kill, possession of a pistol while committing a violent crime and second-degree burglary with unlawful entry. He is at a state prison in Bishopville, S.C..