Bond denied again for suspected Horry County serial rapist
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – A judge once again denied bond for a man accused of being a serial rapist in Horry County.
A judge ordered Randy Barnhill to remain jailed during a hearing Thursday in Conway. Some of the suspected sexual assaults that investigators tied Barnhill to date back over 20 years.
One of Barnhill’s alleged victims also spoke at the hearing, while another was present. Prosecutors said a third was too afraid to come forward, but said they would assist in any prosecution. The state also read out indictments and the accusations against Barnhill in full, which dated back to 2000.
Meanwhile, the defense argued that Barnhill believes he is innocent and also said his family was present in the courtroom on Thursday. Barnhill’s attorney also argued for bail due to the timeline of a possible trial, claimed he wasn’t a danger to the community and that he would stay with his mother.
After around 20 minutes, the judge ruled that Barnhill be denied bond as prosecutors continue to gather more evidence.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- Horry County police make arrest in serial sexual assault cold cases dating back over 20 years
- Judge denies bond for man suspected in Horry County sexual assault cold cases
Horry County police said scientific evidence and advances in technology helped them provide a new lead in a 2006 sexual assault investigation that had gone cold.
Back in November 2006, police documents show that a woman was taking out the trash along Oleander Drive when she was grabbed, forced back inside the building, physically restrained and sexually assaulted.
Investigators identified Barnhill as the suspect in that case in May 2022 and then police arrested him on June 9, 2022. He has been held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center since his arrest.
HCPD and the State Law Enforcement Division determined that he is a suspect in four other sexual assault cases that happened between 2000 and 2005.
He faces 13 charges, which include multiple counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping.
Barnhill is also a registered sex offender who has been on the registry since May 1993 when he was convicted of indecent exposure.
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