Across South Carolina

Analysis reveals quartz at bridge sites

CHARLESTON - An air quality analysis conducted near the demolition site of the two old Cooper River bridges found small levels of a potentially hazardous substance, but the quantities weren't substantial enough to cause immediate or long-term health problems for residents, a contractor said.

Michael Underhill, the president of a firm hired by the demolition contractor, said air samples collected over an eight-hour period showed that 10 percent to 14 percent of the dust contained quartz, a form of crystalline silica.

Police say man killed three in drug crime

COLUMBIA - Police have charged a man with a third shooting death in Columbia.

Stanley Rasheen Oliver, 36, was charged with murder in the death of Desiree Felder, 46. Ms. Felder's body was found Sept. 7 in a wooded area in Richland County.

Mr. Oliver also has been charged with killing Ms. Felder's boyfriend, George Lee Batie, 54, and Mr. Batie's acquaintance, Devin Lee Miller, 27. Police have said the killings were drug-related. Cocaine was found where the men died.

Man charged in slaying dies in jail

PICKENS - A 50-year-old man charged with killing his younger brother has died in Pickens County Detention Center.

Roger Dexton Lusk of Liberty died Friday from a blood clot, chief deputy coroner Kandy Kelley said. He had been charged with murder Sept. 9 in the shooting death of Earnest Allen Lusk, 43.