Murder allegation tops the docket

Listed in first place for trial during a December week of Oconee General Sessions Court is the State’s murder case against Pendleton resident Braxton Earl.  He is charged with the killing of a fellow Pendleton resident, Richard Dennis Keese, in Utica in 2021.  According to the Oconee Sheriff’s Office, the body of 62-year old Keese was found on a street in the former textile mill community.  The case will pit Jason Alderman, prosecutor, against Bruce Byrholt, defense attorney.  Presiding will be 10th Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox of Anderson.