Troopers Resign Over Racial Incident

Two of South Carolina's top law enforcement officials ( Public Safety Director Jim Schweitzer and Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark ) have submitted their resignations amid criticism of their handling of a state trooper who used a racial epithet during a traffic stop four years ago and threatening to kill a suspect. The trooper was simply reprimanded at the time and then suspended. Their was immediate public outcry. The Governor, Mark Sanford said the trooper should of been fired.

It appears James Schweitzer, who's the highest ranking officer in the Department of Public Safety will not be renominated. Schweitzer says he's disappointed to leave the agency under what he feels is politics at its worst. He'll continue as director until the next one is appointed. Sanford decided not to nominate Schweitzer for a second term after viewing a taped traffic stop.

The tape, along with another one showing a woman handcuffed to front bumper of a patrol car,was submitted to the Governor. He was outraged that these men in both incidences were merely let go with a warning and one got a 12 hour suspension.

Already Reginald E. Gosnell, is being touted by some former troopers as the right choice to head Public Safety, according to an e-mail sent to some state senators, who must confirm Sanford’s choice.

Football Player and Wife Charged In Ex Death

Pernell Clayton Thompson, 20, and Yolanda Dee Thompson, 19, were being held Monday at the Union County jail, accused of killing 16-year-old Marisha Jeter, authorities said. It seemed, according to local police, that Thompson's wife did not like him maintaining contact with Jeter. The Thompsons were married in the summer and have a child together.

Okay, he is 20 years old. Why would his wife , who was 19, worry about someone who probably just reached the 11th grade?

Jealousy is a bad thing. It can and sometimes does lead to death.

For more on the story see: Union City, South Carolina