Man Charged with Arson; Woman Facing Neglect Allegations

The Seneca Police Department arrested Kristopher Oneal Justus, a 37-year-old resident of Burns Mill Road, West Union, on Friday night. The arrest occurred during a late-night arson investigation at the Best Western motel in Seneca. Justus was handcuffed and removed from a motel room by the police. He is currently facing charges of third-degree arson and malicious injury to personal property, according to law enforcement records. Justus remains in jail with a surety bond set at $50,000.

In an unrelated case, Carolyn R-F Coyle, a 69-year-old woman from Walhalla, has been charged with the knowing and willful neglect of a vulnerable adult. The charges stem from an investigation at a residence near Halfway Branch. Upon arrival, deputies and the Department of Social Services (DSS) noted structural issues with the home, as well as unsanitary conditions including bugs, trash, old food, and feces. Both an adult female victim and a child were found in the home and placed into Emergency Protective Custody due to the conditions. The adult victim was subsequently transported to the hospital for further treatment.