LANCASTER, S.C. – Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputies have foiled an alleged love triangle murder plot. They say they got a tip Sunday about the plot. Their investigation led them to 19-year-old Joseph Ray Hegler. They say Hegler had been planning to kill an unidentified man for several weeks. Investigators say they also determined that Hegler planned to kidnap and kill the victim the night of May 11. The Sheriff’s Office says Hegler was angry with the man over his relationship with an unidentified woman.
On May 11, investigators stopped the vehicle Hegler was in. They say he was wearing rubber gloves and was armed with more gloves, duct tape, handcuffs, a flashlight, a skinning knife set, a change of clothes, trash bags, bleach, gasoline and an axe.
Hegler has been charged with attempted murder and attempted kidnapping. He is in jail at the Lancaster County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Sheriff Barry Faile says, “We are extremely fortunate that someone came forward with the information needed to get this investigation started. We are thankful that we were able to bring this investigation to a conclusion so quickly before Hegler was able to hurt someone. Job Well done.”
WCCB is working to learn more about this investigation as well as to contact Hegler’s family and friends. Tune into WCCB News @ Ten for the latest.
