News 12 at 11 o'clock / Wednesday, September 8, 2010

AUGUSTA ---After a four-day search and arrest for charges in two states, Franklin Wright has his day in court.

Wright appeared before a judge Wednesday afternoon to hear his charges. He was denied bail and chose to demand extradition, meaning the governor will have to go through a special process to get him tried for charges in South Carolina.

One of Wright's alleged victims is Jennie Hope, owner of Lotto Express on 13th Street. Investigators say Wright attacked Hope in her store last week. Hope was placed in a medically-induced coma and is listed in critical condition.

As Hope recovers, her children are taking steps to close the store and sell her business.

"She has such a big heart," Kimo Zamarron said of his mother. "She has a love for all human beings on earth."

Kimo and his sisters have their work cut out for them. For the first time in a week, the doors of Lotto Express are open to the public. Now, Hope's children are working behind the counter she ran for years.

Kimo says he was often concerned for his mother's safety in the store.

"I didn't agree with the store. The family didn't agree with the store," he said. "But like I said before, she's a determined woman, and she said she had bills to pay, so she took care of her business."

Jennie was often alone in the store, but she installed cameras for protection. Those same cameras caught her attacker on tape.

Investigators believe the man on the tape is Wright, also wanted in Aiken County for allegedly murdering two women, then setting their bodies on fire.

"Makes you lose hope in society today," Kimo said. "There are tons of good people out here, but we could all do better. This doesn't have to happen."

Investigators say Hope befriended Wright, having him work jobs around the store for extra money.

"She has such a big heart, and she can see the good in everybody," Kimo said. "She doesn't want to see anyone in a bad way or suffering."

Now, her children are getting out of the business, clearing all the merchandise and selling her store. All the while, they're holding out hope that their mother will survive the attack.

"We look forward to every day. Progress is being made every day," Kimo said. "She won't stop. She's stubborn, but in a good way. She's determined."

In Richmond County, Wright faces charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping and robbery by force. He has warrants in Aiken County for two counts of murder and one count of arson.