Arrest Made in Sumter County Double Homicide; More Suspects Sought
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — More than a month after two women were found dead near a rural road in Rembert, authorities have made an arrest but warn the investigation is far from over.
Arrest Announced in Double Homicide
On Friday, September 12, Sheriff Anthony Dennis confirmed that 29-year-old Tiamo Henry Mitchell Drakeford of Camden has been arrested and charged with:
- Murder
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
- Desecration of human remains
Sheriff Dennis emphasized that while Drakeford’s arrest marks a significant step, investigators expect more arrests to follow.
Victims Identified
The bodies were discovered on August 8 in a clearing along Richbow Road by a local landowner. Authorities said the women’s remains appeared to have been placed at the location rather than left at the scene of their deaths.
The victims were later identified as:
- Kristen N. Grissom, 38, of North Charleston
- Christine Marie McAbee, 35, of Walterboro
Cause of Death and Ongoing Investigation
During an August 12 press conference, Coroner Robbie Baker confirmed McAbee died from a gunshot wound. Grissom’s cause of death has not yet been determined, pending toxicology results.
Investigators believe the bodies had been in the area for at least a day before discovery. Earlier this month, authorities offered a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.
Multiple agencies have assisted in the investigation, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and several local sheriff’s offices.
Sheriff Seeks Public’s Help
Sheriff Dennis urged anyone with information to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000 or the North Charleston Police Department.
Do you believe harsher penalties for violent crimes could help deter tragedies like this in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
