On a June day in 2017 the body of Freddie Lee Herman Jr., 33, was found in his front yard on Sam Jones Road in Chesterfield, South Carolina. Neighbors reported hearing an argument followed by gunshots late the night of June 15. An autopsy confirmed Herman died from two shotgun wounds inflicted at close range.

When deputies entered Herman’s home they encountered a hazardous environment that slowed the initial investigation. The residence contained numerous exotic animals, many kept in poor condition and including venomous snakes, a cobra, pythons, rattlesnakes, copperheads, snapping turtles, about 30 box turtles, malnourished pit bulls, wild hogs, and chickens. It took investigators and animal rescue groups more than 12 hours to clear the property; authorities suspected some animals may have been illegally captured and sold.

Investigators identified two suspects and allege an argument between Herman, 23-year-old Thomas Craig Overstreet, and 18-year-old Michela Viteritto escalated and that Overstreet shot Herman. Both Overstreet and Viteritto were arrested and charged with murder and using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and held at the Chesterfield County Detention Center pending bond. Did anyone in the area know Herman or his household and have information about what happened that night?