Across South Carolina

Insurance expands along coastal area

MYRTLE BEACH - State regulators have expanded the reach of an insurance system for people who can't find regular coverage for hurricane and wind damage.

The Insurance Department action was the second expansion of the wind insurance pool this year.

The expansion brings coverage beyond the Intracoastal Waterway in parts of Horry County, the waterway in Georgetown County and in parts of Charleston County.

Man gets 17 years for friend's shooting death

SPARTANBURG - A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after accepting a plea deal in the fatal shooting of a friend last year.

Lashaud Edward Moore pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for killing 19-year-old RoShaun Lyles in April 2006.

Prosecutors said they accepted the plea deal because investigators couldn't determine exactly what led to Mr. Lyles being shot in the head.

Atlanta kayaker's remains identified

CHARLESTON - The remains of a missing kayaker from Atlanta have been identified after washing ashore last week at Hunting Island State Park.

Deputy Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal said the remains were those of Stephen Lee, 27, who had gone fishing two weeks ago with his brother-in-law Jeremy Scott, 28, also of Atlanta.

The two set off in a tandem kayak from Seabrook Island. Relatives said they intended to stay close to shore but were swept out to sea.

Mr. Scott clung to the kayak for 18 hours until a Coast Guard helicopter rescue team plucked him from the ocean off Fripp Island on May 9. Hunting Island is north of Fripp.

Charges dropped in double murder case

CONWAY - Prosecutors have dropped two murder charges against a woman accused of killing her mother and stepfather in 2005.

Investigators don't have enough evidence to continue the case against Bambi Bennett, prosecutor Greg Hembree said.

Investigators had gotten the results of DNA tests done on what police thought was a droplet of blood on a boot found in Ms. Bennett's vehicle.

Mr. Hembree dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning he can reinstate them if more evidence is uncovered.

- Edited from wire reports