One of the suspects charged in a deadly Upstate shooting more than three years ago, will spend nearly the next three decades behind bars. Lajohn Gaither is one of four men charged in connection with the shooting death of Franklin Hines Jr. in April of 2022.
Hines had been reported missing and his body was found in the Enoree area, just two days later. Prosecutors say Hines was leaving a Spartanburg nightclub and got into a car with Gaither and others. Gaither shot Hines multiple times, then he and three others dumped his body.
Gaither was originally charged with murder but has entered an Alford Plea to a charge of Voluntary Manslaughter. An Alford Plea is when a defendant maintains their innoncence, but admits that they would likely be found guilty.
Three others are charged in the case. Ant'avius Foster is charged with murder and a weapons violation. Jiquan Stover was originally charged with murder and a weapons violation, those charges have been dismissed. Stover is now charged with accessory after the fact. James Jamar Smith is also charged with accessory after the fact.
