Duncan Homicide Suspects Arrested in Pennsylvania: Murder Charges Filed Against Two Women After Motel Killing
DUNCAN, SC – A multi-state investigation has led to the arrest of two women now charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred at a South Carolina motel earlier this month. The case, which has shocked the Upstate community, has taken a significant step forward with the arrests of 31-year-old Latesha Fields and 27-year-old Payton Deal in Pennsylvania.
The investigation began on April 17, 2025, when officers from the Duncan Police Department responded to a report at the WoodSpring Suites Hotel, located on Frontage Road. When authorities arrived around noon, they discovered the body of 38-year-old Alexander Casull inside one of the rooms. The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office quickly ruled Casull’s death a homicide, sparking an intensive search for those responsible.
As investigators gathered evidence, Fields and Deal were identified as persons of interest in the case. Their connection to the homicide remained unclear at the time, but law enforcement believed they may have fled the state. Days later, a breakthrough came nearly 600 miles away.
On April 21, just after 1 p.m., officers with the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police in Pennsylvania spotted a stolen vehicle parked outside a Quality Inn hotel. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Charlotte, North Carolina, was unoccupied at the time but quickly became the focal point of the officers’ attention.
Following leads and coordinating with other agencies, Pennsylvania officers were able to link the stolen vehicle to the two women. They soon located Fields and Deal at the hotel and took them into custody without incident. Initially charged with receiving stolen property, both women were later identified as the primary suspects in the Duncan homicide.
On Tuesday, Duncan authorities formally charged Fields and Deal with murder in the death of Alexander Casull. The women have been denied bond and remain in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to South Carolina, where they will face their charges in court.
Duncan Police Chief Carl Long praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in both states. “The successful apprehension of these suspects is the result of excellent communication and coordination between agencies. We remain committed to pursuing justice for Mr. Casull and his family,” Long said in a statement.
As the legal process begins, investigators have not yet disclosed a possible motive or the nature of the relationship between the suspects and the victim. Officials say the case remains active, and more details may emerge as court proceedings move forward.
The family of Alexander Casull has asked for privacy during this difficult time. Friends described him as a hard-working man and devoted father whose life was tragically cut short.
Authorities urge anyone with information that may aid in the investigation to contact the Duncan Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
