Man charged with murder in death of woman found near Lower Richland High

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested and charged a man with murder Monday.

Jeffrey Davis, 44, was arrested in the death of Francena Higgins on Nov. 8, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said.

Higgins, of Oswego, was found in a heavily wooded area near Lower Richland High School in the early morning on Nov. 8. Higgins, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after being discovered, died from strangulation, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said.

Davis was arrested Monday at 131 Veterans Road, said Lott, adding that Davis was an acquaintance of 53-year-old Higgins.

Higgins and Davis took Higgins’ car to an ATM, according to Lott, who said Davis was identified through community assistance and forensic evidence.

Lott said the investigation for a motive is ongoing. Davis has been transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 4:58 PM.