Court cases continue in various recent Woodruff crimes.
Heather Wessel, who was charged with manslaughter in the death of 22-year-old Ayla Franklin, is currently awaiting trial in the case. Wessel was charged with the death of Franklin, who is the suspect’s daughter, in September 2021. Wessel remains out on bond.
Marshall Franklin remains in custody at the Spartanburg County jail following his arrest for attempted murder, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a violent felon in January. Wessel is accused of shooting into the home of Heather Wessel. Franklin is the father of Ayla Franklin, who was found dead in the home’s front yard, at which he is accused of shooting. Franklin is awaiting trial in the case.
Jacob Wood, who is charged with felony DUI in the hit-and-run death of David Lee Robeson following an incident on Main Street in front of Bronco Mexican in December, is awaiting trial in the case. Wood has been released on bond.
Police continue to investigate the armed robbery of the owner of Wolverine Axe Throwing in downtown Woodruff last month. They ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Woodruff Police Department at 864-476-8131.
Larceny
ENOREE- Hanna Creek Road
On 2/8/22 Deputy P. Cockrell responded to Hanna Creek Rd. in Enoree.
Upon arrival he spoke with the complainant who states that person(s) unknown stole his red double farm gate.
The complainant states that the gate was removed from the hinges. Neither the posts nor the hinges were damaged. They also stated that this happened sometime in the past week and a half.
Larceny
WOODRUFF – Highway 221
On 2/8/22 Deputy Alexander responded to a residence on Highway 221 in Woodruff.
Upon arrival he spoke with the complainant that stated two of his chainsaws were stolen. They last knew the chainsaws were there two weeks ago.
Complainant advised that his son had located one of the chainsaws at a local pawn shop. The chainsaw was identified by several distinguishing marks on the chainsaw.
The complainant advised that he had spoke with one of the owners of the pawn shop who said that a white male brought in the chainsaw and did not want to pawn but to sell the chainsaw.
The complainant has no idea where the other, Husqvarna, chainsaw is.
Arson
ENOREE – Parker Road
On 2/10/22 Deputy Mosier responded to a residence on Parker Rd. in Enoree.
Upon arrival a victim who advised he was the current tenant at this residence. He advised due to other reason he had been staying someplace else for the last few months. He advised to his knowledge the residence had been vacant during that time. He advised that a week prior he had visited the property and noticed the lawn mower had been moved and the back door was open. He did not report because there was not anything missing. When he was notified that the property was on fire he came over to check things out and noticed the lawn mower and weed eater missing.
The deputy then spoke with the complainant we stated she was across the street at the Valero and noticed black smoke. She pulled over and saw the residence was engulfed in flames. She was unsuccessful at notifying the neighbors and called 911.
The deputy then spoke to the landlord’s daughter who stated she had not witnessed anything prior to the fire departments arrival and had only responded once she heard the property was on fire.
Car Break-In
WOODRUFF – Snow Mill Road
On 2/13/22 Deputy Welborn responded to Snow Mill Rd. in Woodruff.
Upon arrival the deputy spoke with the complainant who believes someone entered his vehicle overnight and stole his wallet.
The complainant explained that when he got in his car he noticed the glove compartment partially open. He continued to look and saw contents sticking out of the middle console and noticed his wallet was no longer in the truck.
There was no forced entry and the complainant admitted to not locking the truck.
Car Break-In
WOODRUFF – Westmoreland Road
On 2/13/22 Deputy A. Bobo to Westmoreland Rd. in Woodruff in response to a car break-in.
Upon the deputy’s arrival he spoke with the complainant that stated sometime between 00:00 hours and 09:00 hours on 2/13/22 unknown subject(s) went through his truck and stole his Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0 9mm pistol.
While on the scene the deputy spoke with the owner of the property and was told that his vehicle had also been gone through at the same time and approximately $4 in change was taken.
Both vehicles were unlocked during the incident.
Car Break-In
WOODRUFF – Snow Mill Road
On 2/14/22 Deputy Stinnett responded to Snow Mill Rd. in reference to a car break-in.
Upon arrival the deputy spoke with victim. He stated that on 2/5/22 he had moved his firearm into his vehicle. Then he noticed today on 2/14/22 that the firearm was missing. He also noticed that the drivers door of another vehicle was cracked. He was the last person to drive the vehicle and knows the door was closed. He also stated nothing was missing from that vehicle.
The firearm stolen was a Glock 48 9mm with a Streamlight TLR-6 laser flashlight combo. He also stated that the back plate above the grip was customized with an engraving of a fireman’s cross.
The victim also stated that he believes both vehicles were unlocked.
Larceny
WOODRUFF – W. Georgia Road
On 2/17/22 Deputy Nepper responded to W. Georgia Rd. on response to a report of a stolen golf cart.
The complainant states that sometimes during the night someone stole his golf cart.
The golf cart is a 2011 EZGO white with tan seats, and mag wheels. The golf cart is a $5,000 value.
Larceny
ENOREE – Graham Street
On 2/22/22 Deputy Cockrell responded to Graham St. in Enoree for a vandalism and larceny report.
Upon arrival the deputy spoke with the complainant who stated someone entered his property for which he has numerous no trespassing signs. An undetermined amount of scrap metal was stolen.
Author: Tracy Sanders
