‘We wanted to see justice’ served. SC victims of cross-burning ‘frustrated’ over hearing
The hearing for the woman who allegedly set a cross on fire that faced her Black neighbors’ home has been continued, with court officials citing mental health reasons for the delay.
Alexis Paige Hartnett, 27, and her boyfriend, Worden Evander Butler, 28, were charged with second-degree harassment after she and her boyfriend allegedly burned the cross on Nov. 23 and 24. Hartnett is also facing an assault charge.
Hartnett and Butler, who are white, are also accused of stalking and harassing their neighbors, Monica and Shawn Williams, with “racially-motivated words and actions.”
Monica and Shawn Williams said Wednesday that they feel disappointed and frustrated that the hearing was pushed back.
“We wanted to see justice get served and see responsibility taken,” Monica Williams told The Sun News.
A hearing was scheduled Wednesday morning in magistrate court before Judge Brad Mayers before a decision was made to continue it after meeting with the victims and Hartnett’s attorney. Court officials said they do not know when a new hearing will be set but it may be some time in April.
The Williamses bought a house outside Conway with plans to retire there. They currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since moving in, they have been facing ongoing harassment from Hartnett and Butler, according to the couple.
Monica Williams said she cannot visit her South Carolina home unless she is escorted by police as Hartnett and Butler are currently staying in the house next door.
Hartnett and Butler were arrested on Nov. 30 and released on Dec. 1, returning to their Corbett Drive home.
The 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office is trying to declare the house where Hartnett and Butler are living a public nuisance. This would allow Horry County to remove residents for up to a year, The Sun News reported. An injunction hearing is scheduled to be held on March 20.
Monica and Shawn Williams said they plan to attend the injunction.
The Williamses, the NAACP and others have been calling for South Carolina to pass a hate crime law, as it is one of two states that does not have one.
The incident has gained national attention and the FBI has become involved in the case, The Sun News reported.
An FBI representative attended Wednesday’s hearing.
On Dec. 20, the FBI showed up at Hartnett and Butler’s house. Officers took several items, including a charred piece of wood, a crossbow, a pellet gun and multiple cell phones, according to WMBF.
This story was originally published March 6, 2024 at 12:27 PM.
