Across South Carolina

Firefighter's family receives benefits

CHARLESTON --- The widow and stepson of a Charleston firefighter who was killed in a furniture store blaze have been awarded death benefits by a state commissioner.

James "Earl" Drayton was one of nine firefighters killed in the Sofa Super Store fire in June. Mr. Drayton's benefits were the last to be decided. His widow opposed the money going to his children from previous marriages and his mother.

A workers' compensation commissioner ruled that Mr. Drayton's widow, Kimberly Drayton, and his 17-year-old stepson, Brandon, will split the $282,000 in compensation.

Man who killed boss gets life in prison

CHARLESTON --- A judge has sentenced a 23-year-old man to life in prison after he was found guilty of murder for shooting his boss in the head during a restaurant hold up in Charleston.

Prosecutors called the killing of 32-year-old Jennifer Skurow at Perkins Family Restaurant in October 2006 an execution. Authorities say Dominick Derricotte waited until his late-night shift as a dishwasher ended, then broke back in through a fire door.

A witness testified that Mr. Derricotte told him Ms. Skurow deserved to die. Mr. Derricotte didn't testify but told the judge he was innocent shortly before he was sentenced.

Mother says infant's death was accident

ANDERSON --- The 18-year-old Pelzer mother accused of killing her 6-month-old daughter says she accidentally stepped on the infant as she was chasing after her son.

Authorities say Danielle Bowen's daughter died from being stepped on Tuesday. They say the baby also was choked and slapped. Ms. Bowen has been charged with homicide by child abuse. She was denied bond at a hearing Thursday where she tearfully said she did not intend to hurt her baby.

Brothers get 25 years for armored car heist

COLUMBIA --- A judge has ordered two brothers to spend 25 years in prison after they pleaded guilty to taking part in one of the biggest armored car heists in U.S. history.

Prosecutors say Dominique and Kelby Blakney helped unload cash off the armored car last May. Authorities say $18 million was on the truck, but the seven men involved in the heist could make off with only $9.8 million.

Three other suspects have been arrested, but did not appear in court Thursday. Richland County deputies say Dominic Lyde and Derick Benjamin are still at large and might be out of the country.

Authorities say more than $5 million remains missing from the robbery.

-- Edited from wire reports