A former Charleston police officer, Dan Hiers Jr., 53, was arrested in China on July 22 and returned to U.S. custody in connection with alleged crimes from 2004–2005. His wife, Ludimila Hiers, 24, was found fatally shot in their Goose Creek home on March 15, 2005; authorities allege she was shot while she slept. At the time of her death, Hiers faced accusations of sexual misconduct with a minor and had his police license suspended in 2004. U.S. Marshals say he fled after a murder warrant was issued and remained abroad for roughly 21 years; local and federal warrants remain active.
Former Charleston Officer Arrested in China, Returned to U.S. After 21 Years in Connection With Wife’s 2005 Killing
Dan Hiers Jr. (left); and Dan Hiers Jr.'s arrest.Credit: United States Marshals Service/X.com
A former Charleston police officer who vanished after his wife was found dead in 2005 has been taken into U.S. custody following an international apprehension, authorities said.
Dan Hiers Jr., 53, was returned to U.S. custody after being arrested in China on July 22, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Hiers is connected to alleged crimes dating to 2004–2005, including an outstanding murder warrant in South Carolina and a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Allegations and Timeline
Authorities say Hiers' wife, Ludimila "Mila" Hiers, 24, was discovered fatally shot inside the couple's home in Goose Creek, South Carolina, on March 15, 2005. Officials allege she was shot in the back of the head while she slept. Following the discovery, a murder warrant was issued and Hiers disappeared.
At the time of Ludimila's death, investigators say Hiers already faced separate allegations of committing lewd acts involving a child under 16. His Charleston Police Department license was suspended in 2004 after those accusations. He was arrested in November 2004, released on bond, and prosecutors say he failed to appear for a scheduled surrender in December 2004.
U.S. authorities announce the arrest of Dan Hiers Jr.Credit: United States Marshals Service/X.com
International Apprehension and Warrants
The U.S. Marshals Service led the operation to take Hiers into custody in China and return him to the United States. According to the Marshals, outstanding warrants included a federal unlawful flight charge, a Dorchester County warrant alleging criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and a Goose Creek (Berkeley County) warrant alleging murder.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether Hiers has yet been formally indicted on the murder and other allegations following his transfer to U.S. custody. As of the latest updates, online court records for Dorchester and Berkeley counties did not show immediate new filings.
In an online obituary posted after her death, Ludimila was remembered as "the most delightful person to be around" and a beloved friend and student.
Next Steps
Local and federal agencies continue to investigate the case and coordinate next steps for prosecution. Hiers will face the legal process in the United States, where charges must be proven in court.
Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential; help is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Source: U.S. Marshals Service statement and reporting.
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