Friday, September 3, 2010

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga.---After hours of searching, there's still no sign of a Beech Island man wanted for two murders and an attack in which a woman was left for dead. The big question: Where is Franklin Wright?

The Hephzibah and Blythe communities are on high alert. Deputies searched the area of Jones Street and Railroad Avenue last night, and at least six units were out near Story Mill Road this morning.

Investigators say they received "credible information" that Wright was in that area on foot late yesterday afternoon. They say Wright has no ties to that area and was seeking opportunities to evade capture.

Investigators say Wright is armed with a handgun and has no means of transportation. He should be considered extremely dangerous.

New details are emerging about Wright. The Beech Island man is seen in Lotto Express surveillance video for hours, continuing to gain the trust of his latest alleged victim, Jennie Hope. On Wednesday, September 1, Hope thought she was helping a homeless man. Investigators say Wright turned on Hope, pulling her into a back room and brutally attacking her, then making off with money.

Later, investigators say Wright removed the surveillance VHS tape, possibly to cover his tracks--but he didn't know that tape was just a decoy. Hope's cameras were still running as she lay in the back room fighting for her life for more than an hour, until she was found by a customer.

Investigators say this attack may not be Wright's first violent crime or attempt to destroy evidence. Wright is also wanted in the slayings of two women in Aiken on August 11. Yana Shenker was found asphyxiated and badly burned in her Paddock's Bend Lane home. Up the road, in some woods off Storm Branch Road, the body of Shalamar Byrd from Augusta was found burned so badly that it took weeks, two sketches, and lots of forensic work to identify her.

We're told Wright's surviving victim, 54-year-old Jennie Hope, is in a medically-induced coma. Her condition is still critical.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office says its deputies have made "every effort" to ensure the Hephzibah/Blythe communities know to be on high alert, including activating a reverse 9-1-1 call to people in the area.

Anyone with information should contact the Richmond County Sheriff's Office or 9-1-1 immediately. If you see Wright, do not approach him.