News Summary
Donovan Ryan Holman, 34, has been arrested after allegedly killing Caldwell Melton Motley Jr. in a stabbing incident. Holman had been evading law enforcement for nearly a year. Investigators confirmed his involvement through evidence and witness interviews. Another individual, Edward Leroy Smith, is also facing charges in connection with the case. Holman was apprehended during a drug-influenced altercation in Myrtle Beach and is currently held in custody. The murder case continues to affect the Lexington County community as authorities seek further evidence.
Lexington County – Donovan Ryan Holman, a 34-year-old man, has been arrested after nearly a year on the run, charged with murder and attempted murder stemming from a stabbing incident that took place in July 2024. The incident led to the death of Caldwell Melton Motley Jr.
The tragic events unfolded on July 23, 2024, when firefighters responding to a fire on Oak Ridge Lane discovered the body of Motley. The situation was even more dire as another victim was found injured in a detached garage nearby, indicating a violent altercation had occurred. Investigators later established that Holman was responsible for the stabbing that resulted in Motley’s death and caused serious injuries to another man at the scene.
Evidence collected and interviews with witnesses indicated that Holman was present at the crime scene shortly before a 911 call was received reporting smoke emanating from the home. This timely information played a crucial role in piecing together the events leading up to the attack.
In connection with the investigation, another individual, Edward Leroy Smith, was arrested in August 2024. He is also facing charges for murder and attempted murder related to the incident, highlighting the complexity of the case and the collaborative nature of the investigation.
Holman was tracked down and apprehended on Wednesday at a residence in Myrtle Beach, where he was reported to be an unwanted person. Upon his arrest, he exhibited aggressive behavior and was found to be under the influence of drugs. Notably, during the arrest, he assaulted a law enforcement officer, adding to the severity of his situation.
Authorities utilized facial recognition technology to confirm Holman’s identity during the arrest, which has become an increasingly important tool in law enforcement for identifying suspects in various criminal cases.
Following his arrest, Holman is currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway, South Carolina. He is expected to be transferred to the Lexington County Detention Center to face the pending charges against him. Both Holman and Smith are accused of playing critical roles in the stabbing death of Caldwell Melton Motley Jr., marking a significant development in a case that has captured the attention of the local community.
The late Caldwell Melton Motley Jr.’s death has left a void in the lives of family and friends, and while the apprehensions of Holman and Smith are steps towards justice, the impact of the tragedy is sure to resonate within the community for some time. Investigators continue to seek any additional information and evidence that may surface, as they work diligently to ensure that all parties involved are brought to justice.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the issues surrounding violence and the consequences it brings to individuals and communities alike. Law enforcement’s swift action in apprehending Holman and addressing this case demonstrates their commitment to public safety and maintaining order in the Lexington County area.
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Additional Resources
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Office
- WIS TV
- ABC Columbia
- Kentucky.com
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- Google Search: Lexington County stabbing case
- Google Scholar: Lexington County crime
- Encyclopedia Britannica: murder
- Google News: Lexington County stabbing
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
