Two More Men Wanted in Murder of Jeremy Leaphart

Aiken County (WLTX) - Aiken County deputies say they've looking for two more men in the kidnapping and killing of a Lexington County man.

Marion Abner Jr, 19, and Johnnie Walker, 28, are both wanted. Abner is charged with kidnapping and murder, while Walker is charged with accessory after the fact - murder.

Deputies say the men took part in the killing of 20-year-old Jeremy Leaphart on December 24. Deputies say Leaphart was kidnapped and held for ransom, then shot to death. His body was discovered last week under some debris in the town of Batesburg-Leesville.

Deputies say Abner was among a group of men who drove Leaphart to Hutto Pond Road in Aiken County, then killed him. Deputies say Abner then drove the body to Lexington County. Detectives say Walker helped move the body.

Deputies believe Leaphart was given assault rifles for safekeeping, but they were stolen. Detectives think when Leaphart couldn't come up with the weapons or the money to replace them, he was killed.

Six other men have been arrested in connection with the case on various charges, ranging from murder to accessory after the fact.

Anyone with information on Abner or Walker should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-559-TIPS.