Murder Update

Over the last 24 hours, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office Investigators have received numerous leads in the investigations involving the deaths of Sidney Speaks and Roydrecilious Irby. On May 22, 2017, Investigators obtained arrest warrants on Steven Redd for Assault and Battery 1st Degree. Redd was subsequently arrested without incident and transported to the Johnson Detention where bond will be set on May 23, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Around 4:00 p.m. on May 22, Investigators also obtained an arrest warrant for murder for Johnny Lee Pyles Jr. At 7:40 p.m. on May 22, 2017, Deputies went to a residence located in the 100 block of Tifton Court, Fountain Inn, SC to arrest Mr. Pyles. When Deputies entered the residence, Pyles was found in distress. Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to the residence where Pyles was transported by ambulance to seek medical treatment.

At 12:45 p.m. today, Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office arrested the two individuals also believed to be associated with the Winetta Street homicide. Sterling Orlando Workman, 27, of 373 Paul Street, Laurens SC has been charged with Obstructing Justice and Breach of Peace, Aggravated In Nature. Also, Michael Dewayne Watts, 32, of 900 Church Street #B1, was arrested and has been charged with Assault and Battery 1st Degree. Both of these individuals have been transported to the Johnson Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. This incident is still an ongoing and active investigation with the possibility of more arrests.