The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department responded to a non-responsive male subject in the 19000 block of Hwy. 23 north of Darlington on Tuesday, July 10.
According to the report released by Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley, David W. Johnston, 55, who resided at that address, was found dead by a family member. His death was due to a self-inflicted act.
Johnston was a criminal defendant who was scheduled to appear in Lafayette County Circuit Court at 1 p.m. on July 10 on multiple charges of first degree sexual assault to a child. At the time of his death Johnston was out of jail on a signature bond.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, Darlington Police and Rural Medical Ambulance Service of Darlington were dispatched to the scene.