At least a dozen people have been interviewed, but theres one man with whom Gary really wants to talk. This crime is one of the oldest unsolved murder cases in Oregon history. But for the next year and a half, investigators continued scrutinizing Melissa's every action. He also has cleared some people who bragged about the case. On Friday, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright held a news conference to discuss the case and announced a reward. I cant say he did it. Todd Christopher Kohlhepp ( n Sampsell; born March 7, 1971) is an American serial killer, sex offender, and mass murderer convicted of murdering seven people in South Carolina between 2003 and 2016. She was also a mother. Related Stories From YourTango: . The number of unsolved homicides in the United States is increasing. A woman who now lives in the former house of the Johnsons said she is aware of the tragedy that happened there, but she declined to talk about it. In the meantime, investigators interviewed Harris. You just learn how to live with it, so this is kind of my way of living with it., To learn more about the case, watch In Ice Cold Blood, airing. The charges against Hampton was dropped due to lack of evidence. Here is a brief look at each homicide case in 2021, as provided by the Spartanburg Police Department: On Jan. 15, officers responded to 688 Asheville Highway in reference to a shooting. Authorities chase down that and multiple other leads while continuing to hunt for the man in their sketch. I said, Oh no, thats not my Crystal. New evidence from a triple homicide in Spartanburg County in 1993 is now being analyzed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. THAT NUMBER IS LISTED ON Y. The suspect was arrested and charged with the death of Charles Foster. He said investigators had some suspects, but they lacked evidence linking anyone to the crime. But the man has died. Neighbors describe tense Spartanburg standoff scene near Cleveland Park. Cold Case deck cards produced in 2015 for distribution in the SC Department of Corrections. "They actually told her they had proof," said Terry Guy. And of course, we have our legendary tale of the "swamp man." A son. Together as a community, we can bring justice for this family. How do you go on with your life? Anyone with information is asked to contact the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office at (864) 503-4600 or Senior Investigator Diane Lestage at (864) 503-4556 or dlestage@spartanburgcounty.org . Investigators were acutely aware of the time, too. Internet Explorer on a PC use ALT+Accesskey, Firefox and Safari on Apple or Linux use CTRL+Accesskey. The whole scene was shocking, period," said Greer Police Lt. Eric Pressley. And no arrests were made. "It was a rather warm day and he was looking at a motorcycle that he acted like he never had any motorcycle experience.". Evidence was sent to the lab for analysis. The encounter left her shaken, but she was able to give investigators details needed to create a composite sketch to be released. The fire probably destroyed some evidence, but not all. In all of the unsolved homicide cases, Gary has re-interviewed witnesses. This incident has been ruled as a justifiable homicide. After the first day or two, it gets more difficult, Gary said. "There are some people that have direct knowledge but whatever information you have, please call to report what you know about this case. Six people were shot and two were killed during the incident and standoff. Apple users with Spaces enabled may need to use the accesskey for Skip to the main navigation (A); then, TAB through the navigation and press "enter" to activate a link. Delta 88. T. he witness saidthe Vick vehicle was not a perfect match with the one hed seen, though. Officials said the realization came after gunfire erupted along Vista Drive in Moore, southwest of Spartanburg. [Spartanburg City] On July 19, 2001, Duane Trout Brock (W/M - 37) was shot while at the intersection of Ridge and Vernon Streets in Spartanburg, South Carolina. 2023 Telepictures Productions Inc. This Is The Number One Unsolved Mystery In South Carolina And It Will Leave You Baffled South Carolina is loaded with history and ghostly tales of suspense. But there were also four. June 7, 2021: Alex Murdaugh, 53, calls 911 and reports he found his wife Margaret, 52, and son Paul, then 22, shot dead outside of their home in Islandton, a small community about an hour north of. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, USC defeats Georgia 61-55 to secure first SEC home, Trapped Californians rescued from snow, helped by, NC schools see spike in reported violence numbers, Chase Elliott out of NASCAR indefinitely after tibia, Top seeded USC cruises past Ole Miss 80-51 to reach, Furman uses a 32-6 second half run to defeat Mercer, Hornung hits go-ahead 3-run HR in 7th to lead #23, CCES rolls past Scotts Branch 63-41 to win 1A Boys, The Foreign Landers Perform on Your Carolina, NorthStar Financial Wants you to be Ready for Retirement. Once on scene, officers were informed by witnesses that the victim, Leonard Lee Lyles III, was standing near the roadwhen he was shot. When they opened the door, they discovered Johnson, 77, her husband Thomas, 81, and their 43-year-old son, David, dead from multiple stabbings. Isaiah Odom - DC# 23-17-003163 . The shooter has not been located and the case is unsolved. On April 26, 1970, 11-year-old Terrence "Terry" Bowers was found deceased, suffering from multiple stab wounds while on a Boy Scout camping trip. Man Found Deceased on Collins Ave. April 17, 1998 Submit a Tip She also said hed threatened her as they drove past Danas shop. The witness ran for help and asked people in a nearby house to call 911. (Spinx Station) in reference to a shooting. I said to them, 'You no longer have the liberty to talk to me anymore. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 08:39 PM EST. The person left before officials could talk to him, investigators said. Gary said none of Bradshaws customers at work are the focus of the investigation. He searches through the notes of other investigators who have worked the cases and he tries to think of other ways to get evidence tested. No ID or clothing was found at the scene. 21-year-old James Byrd, of Spartanburg, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, deputies said. There were approximately 17,721 homicides in South Carolina between 1980 and 2019, according to the Project: Cold Case website for unsolved homicide statistics. After the fire was called in, neighbors gathered outside. Coroner's Case Number C-98-8289 ( NamUs Number UP8962) On May 13, 1998 the nude body of an unidentified female of Asian descent was found on the frontage road adjacent to the south bound lane of I- 85 ( Casual Dr). He was transported by ambulance to Spartanburg Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. More than 30 years later, Fisher's estranged wife was charged with first-degree murder. Its been 14 years since Maxine Kennedy learned that her granddaughter, Crystal Bradshaw, had been killed. The University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement & Safety and Midlands Crimestoppers need your help identifying three suspects involved in over twenty incidents of vehicle tampering and thefts from vehicles located in the Greek Village area at 800 Blossom St., Columbia, SC. Was Wright the perpetrator of the Blue Ridge Bank murders, and could he have also gunned down four people at Superbike Motorsports just five months later? Larry James Smith, 44, was brutally beaten with a hammer on Dec. 3, 1987, and died of his injuries in 1988. WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF ADN TECHNOLOGY, DEPUTIES SAY THEY HAVE EVIDENCE BEING EXAMINEDY B SLED THAT WILL GIVE NEW INFORMATION ON THIS CASE. That would be Abbeville with 179.4 murders per 100,000 people. These lists of unsolved murders include notable cases where victims were murdered in unknown circumstances. The male was suffering from a gunshot wound to his neck. Witnesses said the man tried to stop anybody from going into the house. A friend of Darrell Broussard, one of the unsolved murder . Beverly, also in the back, appears to have been ambushed while stepping out of the bathroom. Sometimes, a case is solved, often with the help of forensic science. Spartanburg crime rates are 234% higher than the national average. Together as a community, we can bring justice for this family.". They scoured Roebuck for the vehicle and turned up a possible match: Mary Ann Vick, one of Dana's customers, had a similar car. He died laterat the hospital. Delta 88. Name. Robbery was deemed doubtful because the house was not ransacked and there was no forced entry, former Sheriff's Office spokesman Mike Little said at the time. Days after the brutal killing, Vick, then 17, threatened . New evidence from a triple homicide in Spartanburg County in 1993 is now being analyzed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. At the time, Bradshaw was working at the Peach Blossom Diner nearby. A couple hours later, Harris returned to the shop area, where she waited for her ride. "She was from the generation that had 'stickability.'". Another year, and it seems like it was an eternity, Maxine Kennedy said. The most notorious unsolved murder in our state's fraught history went down in Darlington County in the 4th Judicial District of South Carolina in the dark of April 3, 1952. "I think the sheriff's department let the trail get very cold messing with us. How would they feel? Gary said. Waiting for your permission to load facebook comments. A decade after the murder, they learned that Vicks DNA matched the rape kit evidence. A red vehicle was seen driving away from the bank three minutes later after the incident occurred. Though theawful ache of losing her mother has never gone away, her daughter Ashley has helped herself heal by becoming a dedicated victims advocate. "They were just good people. But after supplying a solid alibi and passing a polygraph test, he was cleared as a suspect. How do you lie down and sleep at night? Mechanic Chris Sherbert's body is found in the back of the shop, bent over as though he were working on a bike. The victims of the so-called "Whitechapel Murders" Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly all had their throats slashed, and most of them had. On November 6th, 2003, four people Brian Thomas Lucas, Scott Ponder, Beverly Guy and Chris Sherbert were murdered in cold blood at Superbike Motorsports on Parris Bridge Road, Chesnee, SC. She had been picking blackberries with her parents, went to a nearby store, and was later found beaten to a pulp in a closet of an abandoned house. He was shot. I know there are people out there who know about these cases.. The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutesbefore returning with a guilty verdict ofall counts:murder, criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping. There was no evidence of forced entry and those who knew her said she would not have opened the door for strangers, leading police to believe she knew her killer. 8045 Howard St. List of unsolved murders (before 1900) List of unsolved murders (1900-1979) List of unsolved murders (1980-1999) List of unsolved murders (2000-present) See also [ edit] Cold case Forensic science Among those shot were two employees with Spartanburg Water, one employee with Spectrum (Perry McIntyre, deceased), a Spartanburg County Sheriffs deputy and the suspect, Shannon Earl Smith, who was killed during the gunfire exchange with law enforcement. THE $10,000 WILL GO TO ANYONE WITH INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO AN ARREST. In some cases, people may be ready to tell what they know to get it off their chests, he said. She had overcome the adversities she had dealt with her whole life, Gary said. [Spartanburg City] On February 9, 2010, Sharon Elaine Bryant (B/F - 50) was found murdered at her home, 547 S. Center Street, Spartanburg, SC. Brian's own mother does suspect her son might not have been completely happy in his marriage. "He was saying that he was at the shop, he saw a person who had on a leather coat," said Lorraine Lucas, Brian Lucas's mother. It might take luck to solve some, but luck can be generated by hard work, Gary said. "We know with the time that has passed, many people have heard about this case," a news release from the sheriff's office said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. "They don't know who that individual is. He killed himself two years after the Greer incident during a police pursuit. Everyone is urged to participate in the program and is encouraged to develop the idea in their city and or state. [1] Early life [ edit] Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock Steven Fisher, 20, and his girlfriend Melisa Gregory, 17, were bludgeoned to death on a ranch northwest of Newton, Iowa, in 1983. We dont know, Gary said. David Moore described the Clifton community as "close-knit people. Why didnt you come and do it to me, Kennedy said. before returning with a guilty verdict ofall counts:murder, criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping. The Spartanburg County sheriff's office has . "We know with the time that has passed, many people have heard about this case," a news release from the sheriff's office said. The four-day trial began in November 2006. Missing Persons my Neighborhood alarm registration File a report In 1997, four and a half years after the murders, Coffey announced that Spartanburg Public Safety Director Tony Fisher created a special unit to study old homicide cases. The suspects have not been identified and the case is unsolved. Columbia with 29. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Fear Spreads In Community After Dana Satterfields Murder. 6 talking about this. But the problem in many cases is evidence that could be used wasnt collected, he said. 8045 Howard St. He said the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the prosecution of the person responsible for this crime. Brewer (B/M - 17) of 106 Pineneedle Drive, Apt D, died from a gunshot wound. Around 6:30 PM, Diane Harris, a door-to-door saleswoman, stopped by the salon. Those 10 yearsfelt like an eternity to Danas loving daughter, Ashley, who was 8 when her mother was slain. Saturday, February 3, 2007. On Cold Justice, Kelly Siegler and Yolanda McClary travel to South Carolina to investigate the 28-year-old unsolved double homicide of Eric and Doris Ferguson. Mike Kim. Seven minutes, four lives, one gun. "They don't know who that customer is," said Gross. Key findings. To report tips, contact the Spartanburg Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC. He drove to the back of the Spartanburg County Administrative building, exited his car, collapsed and died. Police interviewedVicks former girlfriend, who spoke of his violent streak. On July 11, officers responded to Concord Avenue and Norris Street in reference to a shooting. More than a year after the shootings, sometime after the birth of Melissa Ponder's son, Scotty Junior, Melissa Ponder was summoned to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Department. 8045 Howard St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 Spartanburg Sheriff Unsolved Homicides These cases are still open and are being investigated by detectives from the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. But it wasn't that long ago that this was the home of Superbike Motorsports, a high-performance motorcycle shop owned by Scott Ponder. In an effort to help get answers for Bradshaws family, the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office announced a $25,000 cash reward is now being offered for information that could help solve the case. The suspects left in a white sedan or SUV. Authorities, after all, had already connected Little to the September 1978 murder of 19-year . But what if the victim was their friend or loved one? [Highway Patrol] On 5/30/2003 at 0225 hrs, a Harley Davidson was traveling north on
I turned on the news and there was Crystals house burning, she said. The suspect was arrested a few days later based on investigative findings. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office was called inbecause the Spartanburg Police Department, Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, and the S.C. Law Enforcement Division were all involved in the case. 48 Cause of Death. It is believed that the subjects were attempting to rob his neighbor's apartment. Charles Wade Hampton were eventually charged with Malakia's murder, but the mystery remains unsolved. Fisher said recent developments in DNA testing and the use of lasers to lift fingerprints Johnson could help solve old crimes. Can you bring your vape pen or e-cigarette on a plane? The Herald-Journal has filed Freedom of Information Act requests related to this incident with each of these agencies. He wasnt the original investigator, but hes been working on it since Day 2.