for Employment of Handicapped). Avenue. But Mr. Murdaugh, 53, was for years a well-connected player in the clubby South Carolina legal world; the family law firm, based in the tiny city of Hampton, has long been considered a powerhouse . 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. On Sept. 5, around 9:50 p.m., officers responded to 601 Farley Ave. in reference to a disturbance where shots were being fired. 2. ( NewsNation) The murder clearance rate hit an all-time low in 2020, and data analyzed by a nonprofit shows that trend continued last year. Missing Persons my Neighborhood alarm registration File a report Anyone with information to please contact Investigator Diane Lestage. On July 8, officers responded to 348 Winsmith Ave. On July 9, officers responded to 1605 John B. They never would let us see her, because they said it would be too hard, Kennedy said. But the Clifton triple-homicide stumped investigators. But who knows, maybe in time they'll solve it.". The fire was contained in the roof, which fell in. 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. Today, the building stands vacant, a makeshift mausoleum in an empty lot in Chesnee, South Carolina. Once on scene, officers were informed by witnesses that the victim, Leonard Lee Lyles III, was standing near the roadwhen he was shot. The investigation revealed that the deceased was the primary aggressor. Bob Montgomery, Herald-Journal. But the man has died. 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. Theories abound as to who really killed four people that November day. The number of unsolved homicides in the United States is increasing. Two of the victims, Travoiris Antoine Gentry and Jaquante Donnell Burris, died later. According to the witnesses, the unknown male refused to leave and approached the front door with his hands in his pocket. 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. [1] Early life [ edit] housing. Bond for the weapons charge was set at $3,500 on Sunday. THE REWARD POSTER WILL START RUNNING TODAY AND WILL CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. "They actually told her they had proof," said Terry Guy. According to the witness, that was only moments before the shooting. The four-day trial began in November 2006. Together as a community, we can bring justice for this family.". Thats the jury's way of sending a message, authorities told In Ice Cold Blood. Its less than the time it takes to watch a sitcom. Around 6:30 PM, Diane Harris, a door-to-door saleswoman, stopped by the salon. He said the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the prosecution of the person responsible for this crime. A piece of information may not seem important to people, but it could be the piece that glues everything together for us, he said. Jonathan Vick, the son of Mary Ann Vick, planned to visit Dana the night she died, according to Pace. All rights reserved. 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? The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes. Christopher Reese's 2014 murder in Notus, Idaho remains unsolved. T. he witness saidthe Vick vehicle was not a perfect match with the one hed seen, though. In Spartanburg you have a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of crime. It might take luck to solve some, but luck can be generated by hard work, Gary said. "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. Sheriff Chuck Wright told the media human remains were uncovered in one of the two places that Kohlhepp pointed out as grave sites. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. In 2009, Tom Lucas, who was President of Spartanburg Crime Stoppers at the time, and father of Brian Lucas, who was murdered along with 3 co-workers in 2003, brought the idea of Unsolved Homicide and Missing Persons playing cards into SC. The elder Johnsons were retired from Clifton Mill Number Two. Mary Johnson, 77; her husband, Thomas Johnson, 81; and her son David Johnson, 43, were all found stabbed to death at their home at 270 Cedar St. in Clifton on Jan. 9, 1993. She was found not guilty in 2015. Hospital employees informed police that the victim, Patrick Dirk Thomas, was dropped off by an unknown subject in a personally owned vehicle. And then, a break in the case that absolutely no one saw coming. And Scott Ponder's was closer to the parked cars here in the parking lot.". 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. Her contact number is 864-503-4556, and her email address is dlestage@spartanburgcounty.org. But what if the victim was their friend or loved one? Date of Death: October 25, 2011 Location: 15 Spartanburg Court, Apt. Ponder's friend Noel spoke to him before he drove to the shop on the morning of Nov. 6, 2003. Columbia with 29. "And they pulled me in a room and shut the door. They say in the 1960s and 1970s about 70 percent of victims and murderers knew each other. How would they feel? Gary said. Spartanburg crime rates are 234% higher than the national average. 21-year-old James Byrd, of Spartanburg, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, deputies said. "I said 'We worked hard for that baby, we had to have medical procedures to have this baby, I know he's the father of my baby,'" said Melissa. Kohlhepp was was denied bond Sunday after investigators say he confessed to an unsolved quadruple murder that happened 13 years ago. Then on June 3, 2007, someone killed her and set the house on fire to try to cover up the crime. That would be Abbeville with 179.4 murders per 100,000 people. Those 10 yearsfelt like an eternity to Danas loving daughter, Ashley, who was 8 when her mother was slain. Terms of Use | Could he have committed the crime or hired someone else to carry it out? Jonathan Vick, the son of Mary Ann Vick, planned to visit Dana the night she died, according to Pace. They recall seeing a man acting strangely. How do you eat? A couple hours later, Harris returned to the shop area, where she waited for her ride. I don't have a bit of faith in them. This shooting was ruled as a justifiable homicide. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This incident has been ruled as a justifiable homicide. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Sylvester Lewis ADAMS October 17, 1979: 1: South Carolina, USA: Quincy Javon ALLEN July-August 2002: 4: South Carolina, USA : John . During an interview, she nervously explained that she came face to facewith the man for just a second. How do you go on with your life? Owner Scott Ponder, Ponder's mother Beverly Guy, service manager Brian Lucas and mechanic Chris Sherbert were all found fatally shot on November 6, 2003. Spartanburg violent crime is 55.7. When officers arrived, they discovered a male, Damion Henderson, lying on the floor inside of the home. The violence of the attack made it seem personal, Rick Gregory, a Spartanburg County Solicitors Office investigator,told, During an interview, she nervously explained that she came face to face. Today, the case remains. Charles Wade Hampton were eventually charged with Malakia's murder, but the mystery remains unsolved. But the problem in many cases is evidence that could be used wasnt collected, he said. Fear Spreads In Community After Dana Satterfields Murder. Detectives turned their attention to a witness report ofseeing a white and blue vehicle in the area that raised a red flag. The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutesbefore returning with a guilty verdict ofall counts:murder, criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping. Contact Bob Montgomery at bob.montgomery@shj.com, Gunshot deaths, reports down in Spartanburg after violent summer; residents push forward. Dana was discovered partially naked, and detectives suspected that there had been a sexual assault. She owned a beauty salon in Roebuck, South Carolina, and on the evening of July 31, 1995, shed just wrapped a days work. Year over year crime in Spartanburg has increased by 2%. To date, no one has been charged for killing Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, who were shot to death multiple times near dog kennels on the 1,700-acre property. 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. 4 min read Mary, Thomas and son David Johnson were found stabbed to death in the bedroom of their Cedar Street home in Clifton in early 1993. Given the growth of our sub over the last eight months, I'm revisiting . (Spinx Station) in reference to a shooting. Man Found Deceased on Collins Ave. April 17, 1998 Submit a Tip The groups were chasing each other and Hinson got out of his car at the intersection of Asheville Highway and California Avenue to talk to the other group. Police interviewedVicks former girlfriend, who spoke of his violent streak. But some of the comments he made indicated he may have known Bradshaw was inside, the investigator said. Witnesses told police that the victim was speaking with another male when shots were fired. If you have any information about this caseno matter how big or smallyoure encouraged to contact the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office. The encounter left her shaken, but she was able to give investigators details needed to create a composite sketch to be released. Gary said none of Bradshaws customers at work are the focus of the investigation. In some cases, people may be ready to tell what they know to get it off their chests, he said. Sign up to receive breaking True Crime Daily news, exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes info. All four victims were transported by ambulance to Spartanburg Medical Center to be treated for their injuries. On Aug.21, around 9:32 p.m., officersresponded to 116 James H. Young St.in reference to a breaking and entering with shots being fired. These lists of unsolved murders include notable cases where victims were murdered in unknown circumstances. Pedestrian Killed in Hit and Run Accident. A mother. On Oct. 1, 2021, the Spartanburg County Coroners Office gave notice that the victim died at Spartanburg Medical Center around 10:58 p.m. Why her? Only one person in Bradshaws life has a fire background and that person is not being 100 percent cooperative with investigators, Gary said. Until then, she said shell be hanging on to memories. Bradshaws body was found in her burned home on the morning of June 3, 2007. On Sept. 12, Hinson was riding around with some others in a car. 2023 Telepictures Productions Inc. As time passed, approximately 13,853 of those murders were solved, leaving the state with approximately 3,868 unsolved murders in South Carolina as of the last website update. Then more than a year after the murders, detectives start looking into a new angle. When the victim in a homicide is married, those are standard questions. 6 talking about this. US 221 in the slow lane and was struck by an unknown vehicle pulling out of South So was Brian finding comfort in the arms of another woman -- his own boss's wife? Science doesnt lie, said Gregory, adding that the team was back to square one.. 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. "They labeled Brian as Beverly's son based on DNA, but clearly Scott is Beverly's son," said reporter Daniel Gross. They were very serious and they said 'We've had something come up and we need to talk to you about it,' I said OK, and they said to me, 'You were here about a month ago, you changed a diaper here at the sheriff's office, and we sent it off and compared it to the blood from the crime scene, and your son's DNA does not match up with his father's.'". Gary said Bradshaw had been into drugs, but had been clean for a while. 27 Comments. Theres also a new billboard up in Boiling Springs, with Bradshaws face and name, not far from where she lived. Like all of the cold cases that fill the file cabinets on one and a half walls in his office, Gary said the killer may be somewhere in a two-inch binder full of notes. Lets Eat at Waynes Lunchbox in Spindale, N.C. 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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. But there were also four incidents involving five deaths resulting from gunshots and blunt trauma that have not been solved. 2023 Spartanburg Sheriff. There were approximately 17,721 homicides in South Carolina between 1980 and 2019, according to the Project: Cold Case website for unsolved homicide statistics. ", More: Gunshot deaths, reports down in Spartanburg after violent summer; residents push forward. Fisher said recent developments in DNA testing and the use of lasers to lift fingerprints Johnson could help solve old crimes. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "Brian Lucas and Scott Ponder were both found dead. Responding at that time, Coffey confirmed that the Johnsons were interviewed at length. Sign up for our e-newsletters or subscribe to get our print publications. The suspects left in a white sedan or SUV. This case is unsolved. They had lived in the five-room mill village house for about 35 years, and had three sons. Spartanburg Police Department indicates eight homicides resulting in 11deaths in 2021 have been solved, according to Police Maj. Art Littlejohn. In one case, the suspect died five years later, but the case is still open. The more time that passes after the murder, the less likely the case will be solved. Greenville Journal. I turned on the news and there was Crystals house burning, she said. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office - Unsolved Homicides | Spartanburg SC The SLED Forensic Art Unit assists local law enforcement agencies in Unidentified Remains cases. Whatever the motive, this horrific case still remains unsolved and police need the public's help bringing the killer to justice. 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. Key findings. The only surviving son was Keith Johnson, who declined to be interviewed by a reporter the day after the gruesome discovery. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Department hide caption toggle caption The crime became known as "The Superbike Murders" and it seemed as senseless as it was cold-blooded. This case is unsolved. 8045 Howard St. Spartanburg, SC 29303 Spartanburg Sheriff youtube Unsolved Homicides Page 2 Continue to Page 3 Divisions Careers Media Room About Us Resources Contact Unsolved Homicides Breaking News Alerts The Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer (and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act for Employment of Handicapped) Each Internet browser has a different method of accessing these keys: Please note: Internet Explorer users may also need to hit the enter key to activate a link. How do you lie down and sleep at night? But after supplying a solid alibi and passing a polygraph test, he was cleared as a suspect. After the fire was called in, neighbors gathered outside. Is your conscious turned off?. Maggie Murdaugh and son Paul (inset) were shot and killed at Moselle. I know there are people out there who know about these cases.. On July 11, officers responded to Concord Avenue and Norris Street in reference to a shooting. He killed himself two years after the Greer incident during a police pursuit. (Spinx Station), officers responded to Concord Avenue and Norris Street. Police hurried to the salon, where they found a woman who appeared to have been strangled with a duffel bag strap and was left hanging from a hot water heater. Unsolved: On Nov. 16, officers responded to 101 E. Wood St. in reference to a person suffering from an assault. The suspect was arrested a few days later based on investigative findings. The playing cards are distributed in all of SC 28 Correction Facilities as well as local jails and detention centers. The witness saidthe Vick vehicle was not a perfect match with the one hed seen, though. Sheriff Chuck Wright On July 23, around 9:03 p.m., officers responded to 151 Palisade St.in reference to a drive-by shooting. Beverly, also in the back, appears to have been ambushed while stepping out of the bathroom. You can call Investigator Diane Lestage at (864) 503-4556. Investigators finally got a potential lead: atip from an inmate who said his cellmate, Russell Quinn, carried a picture of Dana Satterfield and said he was involved in the crime. The violence of the attack made it seem personal, Rick Gregory, a Spartanburg County Solicitors Office investigator,told In Ice Cold Blood, airing Sundays at 7/6c on Oxygen. The charges were upgraded later. Landry said there have been eight to nine unsolved murders, but the Abbeville Police Department has given information on only five. On Dec. 9, officers responded to 109 Brandywine Lane in reference to a murder/suicide. Police then talkedto Danas husband, Mike, who downplayed stories that the couples marriage was in trouble. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Three months after the murders, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Johnson, the surviving son Keith's wife, expressed frustration at extensive questioning of her and her husband. On July 8, officers responded to 348 Winsmith Ave. in reference to a welfare check. Those are the things you start telling yourself: Did I bring home the wrong baby from the hospital? At the time, Bradshaw was working at the Peach Blossom Diner nearby. "There are some people that have direct knowledge but whatever information you have, please call to report what you know about this case. Brian's own mother does suspect her son might not have been completely happy in his marriage. "What he said was that they compared my husband's DNA to his mother's DNA, which was all gathered at the crime scene, and they did not match up," said Melissa. The cards are also available to the public and all Crime Stopper organization in SC. If you have any information on the "cold" or unsolved murder cases listed below, or any unsolved murder, please call us at (803) 576-3000. But after supplying a solid alibi and passing a polygraph test, he was cleared as a suspect. Four of George and Jennie Sodder's nine children managed to get out when their house burned down in 1945, the other five were never found, either alive or dead. In other cases, they may no longer be afraid the killer will come after them. NWS confirms tornado damage in Laurens, Spartanburg, Car buyers frustrated after dealership closes, Murdaugh judges own legal story unfolded in South, Man arrested after 2 found dead inside business, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A 17-year-old male, Elijah Briggs, was found on the ground near the bus stop. The murders remain unsolved. Criminal justice officials say one reason fewer cases nationwide are being solved is because of an increase in drug-related and gang-related murders. "At that point in time the lead detective said to me 'We now have two DNA tests that show that he's not the father of your baby,'" said Melissa. She was also a mother. Internet Explorer on a PC use ALT+Accesskey, Firefox and Safari on Apple or Linux use CTRL+Accesskey. Missing front bumper strip and turn signal 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. Violent Crimes - Murder Rape Robbery Assault Property Crimes - Burglary Larceny Auto Theft Crime Rate per 100,000 Pop. 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. In addition, Kohlhepp kidnapped at least one woman, raped another, and claims to have killed many more. 'It was chaos': Neighbors describe tense Spartanburg standoff scene near Cleveland Park. SC Unsolved Homicide Playing Cards. Detectives are seeking information from witnesses and/or from anyone who may have knowledge about these cases. 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. He was transported to the hospital where he died later. The Charleston Police Department is reinvestigating unsolved homicides, also known as "cold cases." This site is an attempt to reach out to the members of our community and develop leads and information that will aid in the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for these crimes. Cold Case deck cards produced in 2015 for distribution in the SC Department of Corrections. Gary said he keeps up with the advances in crime scene technology.