Richard Evans (Laurens Police Dept.)LAURENS, SC (FOX Carolina) -
Police said a man accused of holding a knife to a store clerk's throat during a robbery is now accused of killing an elderly man in an unrelated attack.
Richard Evans, 48, was charged with armed robbery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, kidnapping, theft of a motor vehicle and attempted murder in connection with the armed robbery in May.
Now Laurens police have charged Evans with murder. On Wednesday he stood in front of a judge during a hearing where his bond was denied.
Police said Evans is a repeat offender who cannot be let back out onto the streets.
He was charged with murder in connection with the death of his neighbor, 81-year-old Willis Blakely, of Laurens.
"He's clearly demonstrated that he can't function in society without being a danger to the public," said Laurens Police Chief Robin Morse.
Morse said Evans attacked Blakely at his home and then stole his car in April.
It was in the same fashion detectives say he killed someone else just a block away back in the 90s.
Evans was convicted of manslaughter in that case and served 17 years, only to be released and return to jail on charges connected with two armed robberies and a homicide.
Morse said Evans's criminal record is lengthy and also includes a conviction of criminal sexual conduct.
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