COLUMBIA, S.C. — State authorities are now urging a convicted murderer previously released from his sentence early to turn himself back in after a South Carolina Supreme Court decision.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) released a statement on Thursday telling Jeroid John Price to surrender to authorities. SLED said it is working with the South Carolina Department of Corrections and authorities at the local, state, and federal levels to bring Price into custody again.
The stern request followed a 3-2 decision by the state Supreme Court to void the early release of Price -- which came 16 years before the end of a minimum 35-year sentence.
Price's sentence followed a conviction in the 2002 killing of Carl Smalls at a Columbia bar.
Attorney General Alan Wilson's office said Price's release was a failure of the state perpetrated in secrecy. Wilson also took issue with Price being released before at least 30 years has been served in this type of case -- which he said was a matter of South Carolina law.
Price's lawyer, Rep. Todd Rutherford, said that his client was lawfully released after providing assistance and that returning him to prison could put his life in danger -- defeating the purpose of a statute aimed at encouraging inmates to come forward with information.
In Thursday's announcement, SLED was urging the public to assist in locating Price by providing information. Tipsters can submit tips directly to SLED at 803-737-9000 or at tips@sled.sc.gov. Tipsters can also provide information to Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or CrimeSC.com.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department also announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest during a press conference with the family of Price's victim.