Roland, TJMS, 12.15.09: Attorney General Eric Holder

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C — A lynch mob is responsible for the Christmas day beating death of 42-year-old Ronnie Gene Wallace, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

Wallace, 42, of Charlotte, was killed after an argument turned deadly late Christmas night according to Sheriff Barry Faile.

Wallace and his brother, Tommy Gene Wallace found themselves in a fight with several men armed with sticks and 2×4 boards. During the fight Ronnie Wallace was hit in the head with a 2×4 and fell to the ground unconscious.

The lynch mob fled the scene shortly after Wallace was unconscious and when Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene they found Tommy Gene Wallace on his knees leaning over the body of his brother.

Deputies checked Wallace and he was not breathing. He was taken by ambulance to CMC-Pineville where he was declared dead.

So far, just Steven Ray Steen of Fort Mill has been arrested for first degree lynching and disturbing the peace.

Police are looking for four other men involved in the beating death: Marty Player, Evan Stark and Shawn Stark, all from Indian Land. Authorities are also looking for Thomas Bottemly of Fort Mill. He is being called a person of interest.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is still actively investigating this incident and additional charges are expected. Sheriff Faile is asking anyone with information on the location of those responsible for this crime to call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 283-4136 or contact Crimestopper’s at 1-888-Crime SC (1-888-274-6372).