Man Charged With Stepfather's Murder in Prosperity

- Markus Marquel Kibler, 20, of Prosperity has been arrested for murder in connection with the death of his step-father Alphonzo Harris.
- Sheriff Lee Foster said investigators had located and documented substantial physical and forensic evidence linking Kibler to the murder.

**Friday Morning Update**

Markus Marquel Kibler, 20, of Prosperity has been arrested for murder in connection with the death of his step-father Alphonzo Harris.

Kibler called 911 at approximately 6:17 Thursday morning stating that someone had shot his step-father, but he did not know who had done it.

Sheriff Lee Foster said that he could not release the details of the investigation because of the impending trial, but that the investigators had located and documented substantial physical and forensic evidence linking Kibler to the murder.

The Newberry County Sheriff's Office says Law enforcement records show that Kibler has a prior criminal record that includes a 2006 conviction for possession of a controlled substance and carrying a pistol unlawfully for which he received a probationary sentence; a 2006 conviction for possession of marijuana and possession of beer under 21; a 2008 conviction for driving under suspension; and is currently out of bond for a 2007 charge of assault and battery with intent to kill from Fairfield County for an unrelated shooting incident.

Investigators say that the motive for the shooting is still not clear at this point; however, they have received information from several sources that the two had not gotten along since Harris's wife who was also Kibler's mother passed away in January of this year.

Markus Marquel Kibler

**Thursday 11:40am Update**

Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton has now identified the victim in the homicide investigation in Newberry County.

The victim is Alphonzo Harris, 43, of 748 Langford Street in Prosperity.

Harris was pronounced dead on scene this morning at his home after law enforcement and rescue workers responded to the residence after a 911 call saying someone in the residence had been shot.

The Newberry Sheriff's Office reports they are investigating a homicide Thursday morning.

The sheriff's office says deputies were called to 748 Langford Street just outside Prosperity at 6:17 am on a report of a person being shot.

Major Todd Johnson say the victim died at the scene and they will not identify the victim until family members are notified.

If you have any information about this case contact: Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2211 or you may also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or text your tip to "TIPSC plus your message" to CRIMES (274637).

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