Ex-Officer Nabbed in China for 2005 Murder

After over two decades on the run, a former Charleston police officer, Dan Hiers Jr., 53, has been taken into custody. He was located and apprehended in China by U.S. Marshals officials on Wednesday, July 22, marking his return to the United States. Hiers is wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his wife, 24-year-old Ludimila Hiers, in March 2005. Authorities state Ludimila was found shot in the back of her head while she was sleeping at her Goose Creek, South Carolina home.

At the time of his wife's killing, Dan Hiers Jr. was already under investigation for alleged lewd acts against a minor, stemming from accusations in 2004. His police license was suspended following these allegations, and he was released on bond after an arrest in November 2004. He reportedly failed to appear for a scheduled surrender on additional charges the following month. Following Ludimila's death, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he subsequently disappeared.

Hiers was apprehended last week with an outstanding U.S. Marshals Service warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He also has warrants from Dorchester County for criminal sexual conduct with a minor and from Goose Creek for murder. Online court records had not yet shown updated information regarding his formal indictment as of Monday, July 27. Ludimila Hiers was remembered in an obituary as a beloved friend and a hardworking student.