2 men accused in Beech Island murder, kidnapping had previous drug arrests
Wednesday, April 3, 2017
AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- News 12 NBC 26 has learned the two men accused in the death of a Beech Island man were arrested in connection to a narcotics investigation in 2016.
On Feb. 22, 2016, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office arrested Antonio Simpkins on a possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine. Steven Jackson was arrested on 2 counts of distribution of crack cocaine.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, Jackson and Simpkins were arrested in connection to the death of Julian Williams.
Remains belonging to Williams, 23, were found behind an abandoned trailer in Beech Island. He was originally reported missing by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office on April 2, 2017. He was last seen at 2 a.m. on March 25, 2017 on the 700 Block of Broad Street waiting for a cab.
A judge denied bond for both Antonio Simpkins and Steven Jackson. Simpkins is charged with the murder and kidnapping of Julian M. Williams. Jackson has been charged with planning to commit a kidnapping and not telling police about a crime.
It is believed he received a ride to Beech Island from Augusta to meet an unknown woman and was dropped off on Spider Web Road that morning. Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, and a Canine Search Team conducted numerous searches of the area to find Williams.
