Charles Alton Morehouse, a 40-year-old Lexington County man, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of James David Porter, III, which occurred on Aug. 3, 2015 in the Red Bank area.

The sentence was imposed on Friday by Eugene C. Griffith, Jr., following a week long jury trial. Morehouse was also found guilty of criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of methamphetamine.

David Porter, age 22, of Chapin, was murdered on the dirt road portion of Old Orangeburg Road near midnight after exchanging text messages with Morehouse earlier in the evening. Morehouse was the subject of an ongoing narcotics investigation due to his involvement in a methamphetamine ring.

An investigation by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department further determined that Morehouse believed Porter was a police informant. Porter was found deceased with multiple gunshot wounds by a passerby. Homicide investigators and CSI detectives with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and located Porter’s phone which led them to Morehouse.

The investigation determined that Morehouse was accompanied by a co-defendant, Wiley Eugene Sisk, III, who also participated in the murder. Sisk was convicted of murder, conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime following a jury trial in December of 2016. Sisk was sentenced by Judge Griffith to 45 years on the murder charge.Following the discovery of Porter’s body, investigators began a thorough investigation which included witness interviews with multiple persons affiliated with the Morehouse drug ring.

A cigarette found at the crime scene was determined to contain DNA from Morehouse. A search warrant was executed at his residence located at 165 Willow Forks Road. In addition, forensic analysis of cell phone data led investigators to Morehouse. He was arrested within 24 hours of the homicide.The investigation was conducted by Sergeant Miles Rawl and Sergeant Jesse Laintz of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit. “We appreciate the efforts of Sheriff Jay Koon and the entire Sheriff’s Department during the course of this investigation. They acted diligently in response to this crime, especially during the first 72 hours which is imperative in a murder investigation. Their deputies demonstrated exemplary commitment in seeing both suspects brought to justice,” said Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes.

Family members of David Porter spoke at the sentencing hearing and shared memories of Porter as a devoted son and brother. Porter was a graduate of White Knoll High School. Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Gill Bell prosecuted the case for the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.