First Sergeant Frankie Lee Lingard, 39, a 15-year veteran of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and a United States Army veteran, was killed on the night of December 31, 1997, while conducting a traffic stop on a speeding white Ford Mustang on Interstate 95 near Santee, South Carolina. As he approached the driver’s side the officer was shot multiple times and died at the scene; he was not wearing his protective vest at the time.

The Mustang fled, sparking a multi-county pursuit. The vehicle stopped briefly so a female passenger, Gloryvee Perez Blackwell, and her two children could exit; the driver, Bayan Aleksey, then continued to flee until an officer intentionally collided with the Mustang and took him into custody. The car and its license plate were stolen, and Aleksey had outstanding warrants and an extensive criminal record.

Both Aleksey and Blackwell were charged with murder. Aleksey initially accused Blackwell of driving and shooting but later confessed; Blackwell testified for the prosecution. Aleksey was convicted of First Sergeant Lingard’s murder and sentenced to death, and the South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed that outcome. If anyone knew Frankie Lingard, saw the Mustang that night, or has information about the events surrounding this traffic stop, please share what is known.