News Summary
After a nearly two-week manhunt, Landon Major Howell, 20, has been arrested by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. Howell was wanted for multiple burglaries in the Kendall Road area. His capture on April 4, 2025, followed a collaborative effort from local law enforcement. Howell now faces serious charges, including second-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Newberry County’s Mystery Fugitive Finally Caught
In a dramatic conclusion to a nearly two-week manhunt, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the arrest of Landon Major Howell, a 20-year-old fugitive. Howell had become the focus of a police search after he was implicated in a series of burglaries that plagued the Kendall Road area just outside the City of Newberry.
From Burglary to Hide and Seek
Howell’s troubles began when he allegedly began breaking into local businesses. When confronted by store owners and deputies on March 23, 2025, he made a hasty escape. For nearly two weeks, he evaded capture, possibly receiving help along the way, according to law enforcement officials. Sheriff Lee Foster has hinted that those who assisted Howell in avoiding arrest might also face legal repercussions. This adds an intriguing twist to an already complex saga involving Howell’s brazen criminal behavior.
The Capture: How It All Went Down
On April 4, 2025, Howell’s luck finally ran out. He was apprehended thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and deputies from Newberry County. It’s a relief for the community that has been on high alert with Howell still at large. At the time of his arrest, Howell was out on bond for unrelated charges, raising questions about his frequent brushes with the law.
Sheriff Foster has indicated that he plans to advocate for the revocation of Howell’s bond, which could mean there’s more trouble coming his way. For now, Howell is being held at the Newberry County Detention Center, where he faces serious charges arising from his recent escapades.
What’s He Accused Of?
Howell is charged with two counts of 2nd degree burglary (violent) as well as possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities reported that during the burglaries, Howell was spotted on video armed with a hatchet and various burglary tools. His brazen acts came to a climax when he fled into a densely wooded area, successfully evading a coordinated pursuit involving K9 units and drones.
Evidence of Howell’s hasty retreat was discovered when investigators found his clothing abandoned in an old structure near the scene of the crime. It appears that Howell was attempting to cover his tracks, but his efforts ultimately fell short.
A Look at His Troubled Past
This arrest marks just another chapter in Howell’s checkered history with the law. Since April 2024, he has faced nine different charges in Newberry County, with cases that span from violent burglary to possession of meth. Although five of those charges were dropped, he has pled guilty to four others. Clearly, Howell has been in and out of trouble for a while now, and this pattern raises questions about his future.
Authorities have described him as being 5′11″ tall and weighing around 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Those characteristics have been crucial in identifying him during this recent wave of criminal activity.
Community Safety First!
In light of Howell’s arrest, Sheriff Foster has taken the time to remind the public to remain vigilant. He urged community members not to approach or confront Howell if they happen to spot him but to contact law enforcement immediately. The past weeks have been a tense time for the residents of Newberry County, and hopefully, Howell’s capture will restore some peace of mind.
As this case progresses, it will be interesting to see what legal actions unfold and whether others who may have aided Howell will also face charges. For now, the community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this fugitive is finally off the streets.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested After Nationwide Manhunt in South Carolina
Manhunt in Chapin, South Carolina for Murder Suspect
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: New Details on Newberry County Burglary
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- WACH: Six Charged in Newberry County Home Invasion
- Google Search: Newberry County Home Invasion
- WLTX: Newberry County Fatal Shooting
- Google Scholar: Newberry County crime
- The State: Local Crime News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WIS TV: Multiple Arrests in Newberry Shooting
- Google News: Newberry County shooting
- ABC Columbia: Newberry County Burglary Arrests
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
