The Marlboro County Sheriffs Office has charged David Damont Ward, 25, for the 2008 murder of Eric "Mickey" Thompson.
Ward has also been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.
Thompson was reported as a missing person on December 6, 2008 by his family. His vehicle was found at the corner of Hickory Grove Road and Highway 9 West Bennettsville SC.
During the investigation, it was determined that Ward was a member of the violent street gang, "The Down West Boys." The gang is affiliated with the Crip/Folk gang.
Last August, Ward and six other gang members were indicted on federal drugs and weapons charges in a special operation called "Operation Peace Maker." The operation was designed to restore peace to the citizens of Marlboro County.
All of the gang members have been sentenced except Ward. He's facing more than 20 years in prison on the federal charges.
Ward is being held at the Dillon County Detention Center.
