A home invasion suspect died Monday night after suffering traumatic injuries when the elderly victims fought back inside their home in Jackson, S.C., authorities said.
Harold Loyd Runnels Jr., 61, of Marks Road, Jackson, succumbed to his injuries at 10:51 p.m. Monday at Augusta University Medical Center.
Around lunchtime Monday, Runnels tried to force his way into the Dicks Street residence of Herbert Parrish Jr., 82, and Lois Parrish, 79,. according to a sheriff’s report. The suspect had knocked on the rear door of the residence and then barged in with a large knife.
“Mr. Runnels used the knife’s handle to start beating both victims with it,” the report says.
Mrs. Parrish fell down and was injured in the forehead as the attack continued. Mr. Parrish used the handle of his firearm to defend himself, striking the suspect repeatedly to end the attack on them.
“Mr. Parrish was able to strike Mr. Runnels enough to the point where he fell to the floor still being conscious but non-responsive,” the sheriff’s report says.
The couple told authorities that they had only seen Runnels walking around the neighborhood a few times but didn’t understand why he attacked them. The couple were taken to the hospital for treatment. Mr. Parrish is a military veteran.
Here is the narrative from the sheriff’s report.
Coroner Darryl Ables said the suspect will be autopsied in Newberry, and the investigation is continuing.
There is no criminal history on Runnels in Aiken County, according to online records.
Note: If you have a photo of Harold Runnels Jr. to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.
