suspect

surrenders

Staff Writer

A suspect in the murder of Kelvin Davis surrendered to authorities this morning. Davis' brother, wanted in another killing in Spartanburg County, also is in jail.

Sheriff Howard Wells said Patrick Troy Rice, 25, of 617 Evans St., Whitmire, was brought to the sheriff's office this morning by his parents and taken into custody by Deputy Roger Hill. Rice was charged with murder in the Aug. 18 shooting death of Kelvin Davis at Davis' home on Woodberry Drive.

“We made an attempt to arrest Rice in Charlotte last night and just missed him,” Well said. “He knew we were putting the pressure on.”

Authorities continue to look for Derrick Ruff, 27, of 146 Grant Acres Way, Prosperity, for whom another murder warrant has been signed. Wells said at least two other men also are suspects in murder of Kelvin Davis.

Wells said both Rice and Ruff were suspects early on in the case but authorities kept quiet hoping the men would not leave the state. Officers had received word Rice was in Thomasville, N.C., Friday and Ruff was in Commerce, Ga.

Kelvin Davis' brother, Preston Marco Davis, 25, who has addresses on Pineneedle Road and Lakeview Garden Apartments, surrendered to authorities Monday.

He is charged by the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office with murder, pointing and presenting a firearm and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in the killing of 33-year-old Michael Wheeler of 800 Country Club Road. The shooting occurred at a gathering at 275-B Crescent St. in Pacolet. Preston Davis told Spartanburg County authorities he was wearing a shirt that had his dead brother's picture on it and Wheeler taunted him.

Preston Davis fled after the shooting and wrecked his vehicle on the Meansville Road early Monday morning.

Wells said Cpl. Jared Gilstrap was in the parking lot at Union Mill Crossing Apartments late Monday morning and Preston Davis came outside and surrendered.

Later on Monday, Preston Davis rode with Wells to U.S. 176 near the intersection with S.C. 150 and showed Wells and other officers where he threw the gun used in the shooting - a Ruger semi-automatic.

“We also have interest in the gun; we are of the opinion it was stolen in Union County,” Well said.