The suspect in the shooting of Florence law enforcement officers and his son will make additional court appearances this week.
According to 12th Circuit Solicitor Ed Clements, Frederick Hopkins, Jr. will be in court on Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a preliminary hearing. He will appear before a magistrate in Effingham.
Seth Hopkins will appear in court on Thursday at 10 a.m. for a preliminary hearing, Clements said. He will also appear before a magistrate in Effingham.
Clements also said the purpose of the appearances is to inform the magistrate of the charges and probable cause for each count.
Effingham Magistrate Belinda Thompson has recused herself from these hearings, according to Clements. Magistrates from Marlboro County and Sumter County have been asked to come to Effingham to handle these preliminary hearings.
Frederick Hopkins, Jr., 74, is charged with five counts of attempted murder and two counts of murder in relation to the shooting. Seth Hopkins is charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor victim 11 to 14 years of age and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.
Eight people were shot during the shooting at 932 Ashton Drive in Florence on October 3, including seven law enforcement officers. Sgt. Terrence Carraway was killed in the shooting and FCSO Inv. Farrah Turner died on Oct. 22. FCSO Investigator Sarah Miller, FCSO Deputy Arie Davis, Florence police officer Brian Hart, Florence police officer Travis Scott, and Florence police officer Scott Williamson were wounded in the shooting.
Miller and Davis were released from the hospital on October 19.
Florence Mayor Wukela said on October 4 that two Florence police officers were released from the hospital.
The only law enforcement officer who remains hospitalized from the shooting is Officer Williamson, who is being treated in Atlanta. Lt. Bob Drulis, with the Florence Police Department, says Williamson has a long road ahead but he is in great spirits and is a “tough dude.”
WBTW News13 will provide updates as we receive them.
