Hartsville murder suspect awaiting extradition in PA

The suspect charged in the murder of Hartsville store owner Keith Hancock, is still behind bars this morning in a Pennsylvania jail.

Authorities charged 39-year-old Eddie Huggins in the case.

Investigators say Huggins murdered Hancock after robbing his store, Gardner’s Feed and Seed, last Monday night.

Police say Huggins beat Hancock to death, with an ax handle.

Authorities say Huggins fled the area after the crime, and was later arrested in Pennsylvania Thursday evening.

Police say Huggins was arrested after stepping off of a bus there.

The US Marshalls Service and SLED assisted in the investigation and arrest.

Hartsville Police Chief Tim Kemp says he is still waiting for word from investigators in Pennsylvania, as to whether Huggins will have an extradition hearing or whether he will waive that hearing.

Kemp says after that point, authorities here in South Carolina will make plans to go pick up Huggins from Pennsylvania.

Chief Kemp says he expects the extradition process to be complete by the middle to end of this week.