PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, November 8, 2017

ADDITIONAL ARRESTS MADE IN OCTOBER 1ST PAMPLICO SHOOTING


Florence County Investigators have identified and arrested (2) ADDITIONAL suspects in the Murder of Ellie Becoat which occurred in Pamplico on October 1, 2017.

Rymir Jamal STEVEN, age 18 of 2105 S. Woodstock St. in Philadelphia, PA was booked into the Florence County Detention Center earlier this morning after being extradited from that jurisdiction. STEVEN is charged with Accessory After the Fact to a Felony F; (SC Statute 16-01-0055). A warrant was issued on October 4,2017 alleging that STEVEN was present when a co-defendant (Zafir Bethea) shot and killed Ellie Becoat on Main Street in the Town of Pamplico on October 1, 2017.

Along with Steven, Ricky Hyseem SMITH, age 33 also of 2105 S. Woodstock St. in Philadelphia, PA was booked into the Florence County Detention Center. SMITH is also charged with Accessory After the Fact to a Felony F; (SC Statute 16-01-0055). A warrant was issued for SMITH on October 5, 2017 alleging that he was also present when a co-defendant (Zafir Bethea) shot and killed Ellie Becoat on Main Street in the Town of Pamplico on October 1,2017.

Both STEVEN and SMITH will appear before a Florence County Magistrate for arraignment and a Bond Hearing. See FCSO website and app for additional information.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional charges and/or arrests are possible.

End of Release
Lt. Kathleen V. Streett/PIO