MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) — Daniel Hiers Jr., the former officer and fugitive who fled to China after his wife’s murder, landing him on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted, has finally returned to face charges in the Lowcountry.
Daniel William Hiers Jr., 53, was booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center Thursday on a Goose Creek warrant for murder.
Hiers had last been seen the day his wife was found shot in the back of the head while she had been sleeping. Hiers was scheduled to surrender on additional Dorchester County charges on March 15, 2005, the same day his wife was found dead, but failed to meet his attorney at the sheriff’s department.
An arrest warrant was issued for her murder, but Hiers disappeared.
Before his disappearance, Hiers worked for the Charleston Police Department. He was suspended in 2004 after he was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor in Dorchester County, officials said. The North Charleston Police Department arrested Hiers Nov. 24, 2004, accusing him of committing lewd acts on a child under 16. He was later released on bond.
The Marshals Service said it had an active federal warrant for Hiers for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Deputy U.S. Marshals traveled to Shanghai, China in July, took custody of Hiers and returned him to the United States.
He was brought to Seattle and remained in custody since then, but only now has he been brought back to Berkeley County.
“Dan Hiers was in a position of public trust, but he betrayed that trust in the worst possible way,” USMS Director Gadyaces S. Serralta said in a statement. “Placing him on our 15 Most Wanted list made his capture a priority for this agency. His return to South Carolina is both significant and rewarding, and we thank our domestic and international partners for their tireless persistence in bringing this fugitive to justice.”
Watch Live 5 News’ coverage on Dan Hiers FROM THE VAULT:
Hiers’ case was featured over the years on “America’s Most Wanted” and “The Hunt with John Walsh,” officials said.
Dorchester County Sheriff Sam Richardson released the following statement at the time of Hiers’ arrest:
Hiers remains in custody at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.
