‘It’s heartbreaking’: Family of slain Georgetown man calling for harsher penalty after killer sentenced

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - A Georgetown County family that was looking for closure after the loss of one of their own is frustrated with the justice system after they said their loved one’s killer faced a light sentence.

35-year-old Harry Barkley’s family claims justice was not served after a recent plea deal between the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Barkley’s alleged killer, 24-year-old Eric Hempel.

“It’s very frustrating, it’s heartbreaking,” Barkley’s uncle, Mitchell West said.

Last week Eric Hempel, took an Alford plea to accessory after the fact of murder, meaning he isn’t admitting guilt, but acknowledges there’s enough evidence to find him guilty.

Police also arrested Shelby Ashby in connection to Barkley’s death.

She died of an overdose at the Georgetown County Detention Center last month.

“They said without her testimony, they didn’t have much of a case. I just don’t get it,” West said.

Hempel will now spend the next 10 years in prison.

He still has pending charges in Williamsburg County where Barkely’s remains were found.

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