Charleston’s Dark Past: Investigators Link Notorious Serial Killer to Local Cold Case

Charleston Unravels a Gripping Tale of Crime and Investigation

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a chilling chapter of true crime has come to light, entwining the fate of a tragic victim with the dark legacy of a notorious serial killer.

A Dreadful Connection

It’s a story that combines intrigue, horror, and perseverance, centered around Samuel Little, known as the most prolific serial killer in American history. Authorities have now linked him to the killing of a local woman, Leola Etta Bryant. This revelation sends shivers down the spine of many, reminding us of the unsolved layers that can keep lurking beneath the surface of ordinary life.

Little’s heinous acts spanned decades, with a staggering number of confessions to 93 killings between 1970 and 2005. Authorities verified 50 of these claims. He passed away in 2020, but his presence continues to haunt communities across the nation.

An Investigator’s Gripping Encounter

Former North Charleston Deputy Chief Kenneth Hagge had a front-row seat to this unfathomable darkness. Back in 2019, he participated in a seven-hour interview with Little in a small room in Los Angeles, an experience Hagge described as the “closest to the devil” he has ever felt.

“We were so close; it was such a small room,” Hagge recalled. During this excruciatingly intimate discussion, Little displayed an unsettling sense of control, laying down specific rules for the interaction. He dictated the color of Hagge’s shirt, insisted on a letter promising no death penalty in exchange for confessions, and only wanted to converse with one investigator at a time. “Sam was very controlling,” Hagge emphasized.

Unraveling the Mystery of Leola Etta Bryant

The tragic tale of Leola Etta Bryant, who was just 51 when she vanished, adds layers to the somber narrative. She was last seen at the Midway Bar on Reynolds Avenue, the same place where Little claimed to have encountered her before committing his dreadful act. Her name had remained in the shadows for decades, with her remains only discovered in Goose Creek in 1977.

It wasn’t until recent years that investigators have made strides in piecing together the puzzle of Bryant’s fate, urging a connection between her case and Little’s vile past.

A New Hope through Modern Technology

Thanks to advancements in DNA technology, there’s renewed hope for closure for families devastated by such tragedies. Berkeley County cold case detectives John Plitsch and Darrell Lewis have been hardworking detectives on the case, utilizing cutting-edge forensic techniques and guidance from the FBI’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team, which led to potential family ties to Bryant.

Hagge affirmed, “DNA technology and testing have come a long way” when it comes to closing missing persons investigations. He expressed pride in how the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has gradually managed to piece together the details surrounding Bryant’s disappearance.

Reflections on Evil

During his unsettling interaction with Little, Hagge experienced a raw realization about the nature of evil. The way Little seemed to flirt with the line between charm and menace was disconcerting. “If you talked to him in the grocery store, you’d love this guy,” Hagge mentioned. “But he had that salesman attitude to lure intelligent women into his web.”

Hagge’s encounter drove home the point that Little wasn’t just a killer; he was a calculated manipulator who carried an aura that allowed him to blend in seamlessly with everyday society.

A Tender Closing

After serving the North Charleston Police Department for 35 years, Hagge retired in August 2023, leaving behind a legacy punctuated by both commendable breakthroughs and unresolved suspicions. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the stories that overshadow community spirits, but it also serves as a rallying cry for justice and remembrance for the victims.

As Charleston grapples with this chilling connection to a notorious criminal, the focus remains on hope, healing, and a commitment to unraveling the mysteries within its community. One thing is clear: the truth always finds a way to surface.