Deputies Capture Man Accused of Murdering 81-Year-Old

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- After arresting one suspect last week in the robbery turned murder, deputies arrested the other suspect Wednesday afternoon.

40-year-old, Jason Randolph was arrested at 2:45 p.m. and charged with murder and strong armed robbery.

Randolph is the second suspect after 58-year-old Jeffrey Simmons was arrested at Randolph’s home near Two Notch Road. Simmons is also charged with murder and strong armed robbery.

The charges come after deputies say the  two attempted to rob Sears at Columbia Mall, pushing an Air Force Veteran to his death.

81-year-old Duiane Hamilton was laid to rest Wednesday. Lott says he was doing his job when the suspects pushed him to his death.

“He stepped in front of them and they violently attacked him, knocked him down, he hit his head when he fell down and then they left, they ran out,” Lott said.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts saidthat push proved to be fatal. “The actual cause of death is blunt force trauma to the head. When they assaulted and pushed him, he hit his head on the concrete floor,” said Watts.

Hamilton was working in the loss prevention department at Sears. Sheriff Leon Lott says his alleged killers are experienced thieves. “Mr. Simmons’ record goes back a long way. He’s been arrested 17 times for shoplifting, been convicted 9 times for shoplifting, been to prison three times. Last time he got out was in 2015,” began Lott. “Randolph same way, very lengthy record. They’re used to going in and just stealing stuff” said Lott.

Sears was able to catch the attack on surveillance but the Richland County Sheriff’s Department decided not to release the video out today of respect for Hamilton’s family.