Donkey killed when mistaken for deer

GREENWOOD -- Donkey killed when mistaken for deer

Authorities said a donkey in a South Carolina pasture has been shot and killed by a hunter who thought the animal was a deer.

The Index-Journal of Greenwood reported the donkey had just been caught by an animal rescuer and placed in the Greenwood County pasture when it was found dead Wednesday.

The donkey's new owner, Boyd Purdy, said he put the animal in the pasture to help protect his goats from wild dogs.

S.C. mother charged after fire kills 2 of her children

Police said they have charged a South Carolina mother with homicide by child neglect after determining she was not home when a fire started that killed two of her children.

Multiple media outlets reported Amy Robinson, 27, was arrested Friday, more than a month after the blaze in North Charleston that killed a 3-month-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. A 4-year-old girl escaped without injury.

Immediately after the fire, Robinson told reporters a knocked over lamp started the blaze. Investigators said the children were playing with a cigarette lighter, and Robinson was not home.

Police said they were suspicious because Robinson had no scratches or burns.

Coastal Carolina helping professional actors

South Carolina's Coastal Carolina University is joining a partnership with a professional theater group allowing the group to use a school stage.

An open house is set Saturday to allow the public to see the stage and drama facilities at the school's new education center in Myrtle Beach.

It will be used by the school and by Atlantic Stage, a company of professional resident artists organized last year.

The group's artistic director, John Woodson, said the company will bring Broadway, off-Broadway, classic and new plays to the Myrtle Beach area.

Officials seek Robeson County, N.C., jail escapee

Authorities continue to look for a North Carolina man who escaped from the Robeson County jail by assaulting a guard while he was heading to see the doctor.

Multiple media outlets report 18-year-old Jamal McRae complained of chest pains before overpowering the officer and running out a jail door Tuesday.

McRae was awaiting trial on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Police said McRae forced a man into a car on March 29, then shot at him as he escaped and ran away.

3 die in N.C, house fire; 3 others taken to hospital

Authorities said two adults and a child have been killed in a house fire in southern North Carolina.

The Union County home south of Monroe caught fire just before 5 a.m. Saturday.

Authorities said three other people in the home were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation.

Investigators said the fire appears to be accidental, but the cause has not been determined. There were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Police: Greenville teacher had sex with 15-year-old

Police said a South Carolina high school teacher and coach had sex with a 15-year-old student in his classroom.

Jeremy Spencer, 26, resigned Friday after he was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

School officials said Spencertaught Latin and had been an assistant girls' basketball coach at J.L. Mann High School since 2006.

Authorities said they began investigating Spencer when a student said he kissed her in his classroom during a planning period. The girl then later said she had sex with the teacher.

Spencer has been released on bail. A phone listing for him could not be found, and it wasn't clear whether he had an attorney.