Suspects in cross-burning no longer live at South Carolina home

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - A judge heard arguments over whether to evict a couple from a Conway area home after authorities said they burned a cross facing their Black neighbor’s home.

The hearing Wednesday afternoon was held in response to the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office’s request to have a judge place a temporary injunction on the home on Corbett Drive where Alexis Hartnett and Worden Butler live.

The two are accused of burning a cross back in November facing Shawn and Monica Williams’ home.

The solicitor’s office stated the home is a nuisance because it has a reputation for continuous breaches of peace.

EARLIER COVERAGE:

• Topless jumping jacks get S.C. cross-burning suspect arrested
• Documents detail history of alleged harassment
• Injunction sought against S.C. couple accused in cross-burning
• FBI searches home of S.C. cross-burning suspects 
• Cross-burning victims rally at South Carolina State House

James Battle, a special prosecutor from the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, also filed a memo earlier this month ing the temporary injunction.

Several documents laid out a history of alleged harassment, assaults and threats made by Hartnett and Worden Butler.

During the hearing, the judge heard from Laura Beth Adams who lives across the street from Worden Butler and Hartnett. She said there was a time that Hartnett threw a solar light against her window and said, “Are you ready to lose your f****** kids?”

The attorney for Janet Butler, who is the owner of the home and Worden’s mother, asked Adams what makes her think that Worden Butler and Hartnett are dangerous. Adams replied that they threatened to murder her.

Horry County police Capt. Danny Furr also testified during the hearing.

He said officers have responded to the home an inordinate amount of times, and there have been several calls for service for disorderly conduct, breaches of peace and domestic violence.

Furr said the issues at the property have taken up a lot of time and resources for officers. He added that Worden Butler and Hartnett are the sole reason they have responded to the home so many times.

Janet Butler spoke during the hearing and said she didn’t find out about the cross burning until the FBI showed up at their home. She added that her son cried and said he didn’t know how bad it was going to be.

Janet Butler testified that people are only hearing one side of the story and that issues didn’t start until the Williams moved in. She also accused Williams of using slurs toward her family.

She added that her son Worden is no longer living at the house.

During the hearing, Hartnett’s attorney also revealed that his client no longer lives at the home on Corbett Drive and that she’s not coming back.

The judge said a ruling will be made at 5 p.m. Thursday.

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