Arrest made in double killing

PICKENS — The community was rocked Monday when legendary Pickens High School football coach Bill Isaacs and his neighbor, Dickie Stewart, were shot and killed in broad daylight.

A man who lived across the street from the victims is charged with two counts of murder in the killings.

Albert Leon Bowen, 64, of 412 Gilliland Road, is charged in the case, according to arrest warrants. A bond hearing was waived Tuesday for Bowen, who is also charged with two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Creed Hashe said the preliminary investigation revealed the shooting may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Bowen and one of the victims. He said detectives will be looking into the history of any and all activity between the parties as the investigation continues.

Authorities received initial calls about several gunshots being fired and a report of at least one person on the side of the road at around 9:50 a.m. on Monday, according to Hashe.

When deputies arrived at the intersection of North Homestead Road and Gilliland Road, they found two men lying in a grassy area dead of multiple gunshots, Hashe said.

Bowen was immediately taken into custody at his home, which is located at the intersection of the two roads, Hashe said.

According to warrant, charges were filed against Bowen based on a witness statement and his own verbal admission of guilt.

Two weapons were seized from Bowen’s home, according to Hashe. In addition to two murder charges, Bowen faces two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Authorities have scheduled a news conference for 10 a.m. Thursday morning to discuss the investigation into the shooting.

“The Pickens community is grieving over the void felt countywide from the loss of two great men that were so well-respected,” Pickens County sheriff Rick Clark said. “Though we may never understand what drives a person to commit such evil acts against his fellow man, it is important to the surviving families and to this community as a whole to attempt to give them the answers to lingering questions when appropriate. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with all of those that have been affected by this horrific event.”