Laurens man arrested for Anderson Co. murder

E’Nicholas Leake

A Laurens man wanted in connection with a murder in Anderson County has been arrested in Columbia.

Anderson County investigators have charged E’Nicholas Leake, 27, of Laurens with murder in the shooting death of Jamyuz Bennett, 21, Tuesday afternoon.

According to investigators, the shooting took place on Belton Anderson Highway after the men left a gas station near Highway 413 and Highway 252.

Leake began pursuing Bennett by vehicle and fired multiple shots in a maroon Kia, striking Bennett in the head.

Anderson County deputies responded Tuesday and found the sedan riddled with bullet holes.

Leake was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon with help from the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

According to reports, Leake led authorities on a brief chase after being located in Columbia. He stopped his car and fleeing his vehicle and taking off on foot into the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center where he was ultimately apprehended.

Leake will be transported to the Anderson County Detention Center where is expected to be arraigned on murder and other charges. According to court records, Leake has a history of drug-related and other charges in Laurens County.