Hancock murder suspect waives extradition hearing

The City of Hartsville is in the process of planning the return of Eddie Huggins to Darlington County.

Huggins is the 39-year-old man who was arrested for the murder of Hartsville resident and storeowner Keith Hancock two weeks ago.

Authorities said Huggins murdered Hancock after an attempted robbery of Gardner’s Fertilizer and Farm Supplies in Hartsville. Police say Hancock was beaten to death with an ax handle.

Huggins then fled the state. He was arrested in Philadelphia, Penn., last week by South Carolina Law Enforcement Agents and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force after getting off of a bus.

Authorities say he was on his way to Pittsburgh.

According to Hartsville Police Chief Tim Kemp, Huggins waived his right to an extradition hearing, and the department is currently planning his return.

They estimate he will be returned to the area within the next 10 days.