Man arrested after two women's bodies found dumped: Police
Share and Follow

Inset left: Tiamo Drakeford (Sumter County Sheriff”s Office). Inset middle: Christine McAbee (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office). Inset right: Kristen Grissom (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The location in Sumter County, South Carolina, where McAbee’s and Grissom’s bodies were reportedly found (WIS/YouTube).

A South Carolina man has been arrested in connection with a case of double murder where two women’s bodies were found “placed” in a clearing.

Tiamo Drakeford, 29, has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and desecration of human remains, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said. The arrest came just about a month after Christine McAbee, 35, and Kristen Grissom, 38, were found dead.

On Aug. 8, at about 1:20 p.m., deputies arrived at Richbow Road in rural Sumter County. A landowner had come across the bodies and contacted authorities — saying the bodies “appeared to have been placed at the location,” the sheriff’s office added.

In other words, law enforcement believed the woman were murdered elsewhere and then dumped off Richbow Road — where their bodies stayed for at least a day.

An autopsy revealed McAbee had died from a gunshot wound, but an autopsy for Grissom “did not reveal any physical trauma,” per local NBC affiliate WIS. Her cause of death was pending a toxicology report.

Authorities believe the women knew each other, but how exactly they knew one another is unclear.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis thanked all the agencies that helped secure Drakeford’s arrest — including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms — in what he believed was a “targeted crime.”

“Every person from each of these agencies has worked tirelessly to assist my Office in solving this case,” Dennis said. “I have always found it refreshing to be a part of a true team effort to bring closure to our citizens and the families of victims. I am truly humbled and thankful for everyone’s tireless dedication.”

The sheriff also stated that Drakeford’s arrest does not indicate the end of the investigation and “more arrests are anticipated.”

Drakeford was being held in the Sumter County Detention Center as of Friday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Tragic Family Outing: Father Allegedly Strangles Pregnant Partner in Park While Kids Distracted

Inset: Robert Seviano Howell (Canyon County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Celebration Park in…

Governor Expresses Outrage Following State Supreme Court’s Decision Declaring Anti-Abortion Laws Unconstitutional

Background: The Wyoming Supreme Court building (Wyoming Judicial Branch). Inset: Wyoming Gov.…

Trucker’s Grim Discovery: Cousin Found Dead in Big Rig After Shocking Highway Crime

Left inset: Olson Jean. Right inset: Wendy Moncion (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s…

Trump Moves to Legally Challenge Mar-a-Lago Report: Potential Permanent Gag on Jack Smith Looms

Left inset: Judge Aileen Cannon (U.S. District Court). Right inset: Jack Smith…

Tragic Loss: Beloved Mother of Five Fatally Shot En Route to Church, Body Discovered Days Before Birthday

Inset: Kiara Jenkins. Background: The Chicago church that Kiara Jenkins was heading…

Decades-Old Mystery Unraveled: Heartbreaking Truth Behind 10-Year-Old’s Claim of Father’s Fatal Shooting

In a poignant moment, a 911 call revealed the desperate plea of…

Acclaimed Educator Faces Arrest Following Alleged Assault on Student, Authorities Report

Inset: Erin Wheeler (Lexington County Sheriff”s Department). Background: The SC Whitmore School…

Shocking Incident: Woman Faces Charges for Attempted Sacrifice of Toddler in Disturbing Case

Inset: Kendra Lee Proctor (Marion County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The area in…