Local Connection to Massacre Stuns Eastover Diner
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EASTOVER, S.C. (WOLO) – We have learned the suspect in the Charleston church massacre, Dylann Roof, has roots right here in the Midlands. ABC Columbia was in Eastover Thursday afternoon when law enforcement agencies were searching through his house. Officials were seen walking across the property, and as our Emily Stoll shows us, word travels fast in a small town. “Everybody’s talking about it,” says Margaret Rodgers. About a mile up the road from where the search was taking place, local residents were taking a break to have some lunch at Margaret’s Diner, but there was no break from the big story of the day. “We’re trying to keep an eye on the tv and news and doing our job at the same time,” says Mandy Petty. After learning who the alleged gunman was… “We were in shock when we found out he was from around here,” says Rodgers. During the more than 12-hour manhunt to find Roof, workers admitted they were a little scared, saying they wondered if he would make his way back to Eastover. Tracy Williams touched base with her mother who she says lives nearby the roof house. “My mother lives by herself, and she’s deaf. And thank god for texting because that was how I could keep in touch with her… now. But I text her and told her about it, and I said keep them doors locked. If you see anything funny going on, you call me,” says Williams. It’s why Williams and her co-workers say their eyes have been glued to the TV, their hearts the reaching out to the Charleston community. “We’ve definitely been keeping and watching and hoping they caught him. And when they did, I got chills all over my body. Thank you, Jesus,” exclaimed Petty. It’s pain that isn’t just being felt along the coast. South Carolinians are reeling over this tragedy… together. “I mean, in know there’s people out there who don’t believe in God, the Lord… whatever. But to go into a church and do something. It doesn’t matter what race you are. Still, it hurts my feelings,” cried Williams.
