Columbia (WACH) - Richland County deputies and Columbia police are asking the general public to help them track down a killer. In May 2009, someone beat an elderly Columbia man and left him for dead in his Isaac Street home.
On Wednesday, authorities unveiled billboards aimed at generating leads in the death of 87-year-old Tryon Eichelberger. On July 31, Eichelberger died from the injuries he sustained in the May attack. Investigators are trying to figure out out why Eichelberger was targeted. The person responsible left behind the man's wallet and valuables.
"There is someone out there in our community that holds the key to solving this crime. On behalf of the family, who needs closure, and to begin the healing process this person needs to come forward and make the call", said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
If you have information that could help law enforcement, you may be eligible for $4,000 from Eichelberger's family and friends and $1,000 from CrimeStoppers.
The billboard's highlighting the crime are at the following locations:
- Assembly @ Ballpark
- 4508 St. Andrews Rd.
- 3118 Augusta Rd.
- 2008 Taylor St.
- I-77 s/o Garners Ferry
- 600 Blossom Street
- 7424 Garners Ferry Road
- Hwy. 6 @ Andrew Corley
- Broad River @ Kennerly
On Wednesday, investigators also showed the murder weapon in the case. The unique tool is a Kinedyne Model 10033, Flatbed Combination Winch Bar. The chrome-plated, roughly three-foot long device is generally used by people working with flatbed trucks or rail cars. Columbia police say that weapon is the key to cracking the case. Investigators say someone may have seen the killer carrying the tool shortly before the incident. The tool may have been stolen from a truck or nearby rail car.
"Columbia investigators are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and to hopefully bring some sort of closure to the Eichelberger family," said Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter.
If you know anything about Rev. Eichelberger's death you are asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. You could be eligible for the cash rewards noted above.