Two Edgefield County Men in Custody for Neighbor’s Murder

Two Edgefield County men are in custody, charged with the murder of a man whose body was found by a hunter on Sunday.

Sheriff's investigators say the body of 42-year-old Christopher Lathrop was found in a wooded area off Deep Step Road by a hunter who was scouting on National Forest property.

Investigators believe Lathrop was lured to the area by his neighbors, 19-year-old William Patrick Edward Barfield, and 20-year-old Devon Raye Brock, where he was shot multiple times in the neck and arms.

They say the three men, all of Hayes Drive in Edgefield, had been together the day before.  Authorities haven't said what led to Lathrop's murder.

Investigators say the murder weapon was recovered at Brock's home, while the vehicle used in the crime was recovered from Barfield's family.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.  Barfield and Brock are in custody charged with Murder, Armed Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.