Accused triggerman in constable death sentenced on unrelated charges

The accused triggerman in the death of state Constable Robert Bailey was sentenced to three years in federal prison this week on an unrelated weapons charge.

Walter Fayall, III, 26, of St. Stephen, was sentenced in Florence by U.S. District Judge Terry L. Wooten on Thursday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In May 2006, Fayall was arrested by Myrtle Beach Police after they observed a vehicle parked in a tow-away zone behind the Oceanliner Motel. As officers approached, they observed Fayall standing at the rear of the car, looking into a bag in the back seat. Fayall had no identification and was placed under arrest for trespassing. During a search of the vehicle, officers located two handguns, a box of bullets, and a black bag containing gloves and screwdrivers.

Fayall has prior felony convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle, breaking into motor vehicles, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Fayall faces multiple state charges for the May 2007 murder of Bailey, 67, a retired former Dorchester County deputy and Charleston police officer who was an unpaid volunteer patrolling Lincolnville streets. He disappeared late on the night of May 14 after pulling over a Chevrolet Caprice on Greenwood Street. His body was recovered five days later.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Fayall, one of five people accused in the Bailey murder case.