FLORENCE — The family of a Florida World War II veteran who deputies say was slain at a Florence hotel visited the site where the tragedy took place.
Clair C. Chaffin, of Archer, Fla., died Monday after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at the Thunderbird Inn at U.S. 52 and Interstate 95 in Florence on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, Chaffin’s family members spoke with the media about the man who was known for his dedication to the United States and his loved ones.
“My heart was broken. It just instantly fell apart,” said Alice Thompson, Chaffin’s daughter.
Thompson said not a day went by without her talking with her father.
“No matter what happens in life, I just can’t imagine one moment without my dad,” she said.
Now, all she said she’s left with are memories.
“He has touched so many people’s lives that it’s hard not having him be our backbone and structure,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the last place Chaffin stayed wasn’t by chance. The Thunderbird Inn is where her family lodged every time they traveled through the area.
“It was a wonderful place. It was full of memories for him,” she said.
Family members said Chaffin dedicated his life to serving the country and mentoring young Marines.
“He tried to help children learn the values he grew up with, and those values I hope will come back,” Thompson said.
Family members came to Florence to bring Chaffin, who was cremated, along with his other possessions back to Florida.
Family members also said they want to thank the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, who has made accommodations for them to stay in town while they are here.
Within two days of the crime, deputies arrested two suspects in the crime. Sylvester Davis Jr., 25, and Dondre Scott, 17, both of Darlington, each face four counts of armed armed robbery and murder.
They will remain in custody at the Florence County Detention Center pending the outcome of an Aug. 7 bond hearing before a circuit court judge on the murder charge they each face. Florence County Magistrate Belinda Timmons denied bond for both men on the armed robbery charges after a hearing Wednesday afternoon in Effingham, saying she felt they are a danger to society, according to a press release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
Chaffin’s shooting is directly related to Sunday’s armed robbery of an off-duty probation agent, whose credentials and state-issued .40-caliber handgun were stolen. Investigators are trying to determine whether the weapon used in the Florence homicide is the same as the weapon stolen in the Richland County robbery.
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