Charles Thomas Ridings Confesses To Rock Hill Murder Of SC Man Scottie Starnes

ROCK HILL, SC. (THECOUNT) — South Carolina man, Charles Thomas Ridings, was charged with murder Friday in the death of 45-year-old Rock Hill man, Scottie Starnes, deputies say.

Ridings, 22, confessed to killing Starnes, whose body was found in a home in the 1400 block of Old Friendship Road, Rock Hill, SC., on Monday.

Deputies say family members made the gruesome discovery after performing a welfare check on Starnes at his residence on Monday.

Authorities did not indicated how Starnes was killed. An autopsy and toxicology tests are being performed and results will be made available at a later date.

Deputies say Ridings confessed to the killing. He faces armed robbery, larceny and murder charges.

The suspect reportedly stole Starnes’ vehicle, deputies say. The stolen vehicle was later found in Charlotte. That’s when deputies were able to find Ridings with the help from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. source

Sheriff Kevin Tolson released this statement:

“Our Detectives and Criminal Intelligence Unit hard worked many long hours with relentless pursuit, to capture Ridings. We are grateful for the partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, for without their cooperation and assistance this case may not have been solved as quickly.”

Ridings is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail until he is extradited.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact police at 911.