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

Boyfriend Allegedly Shoots Girlfriend, Contacts Father to Report Incident, Authorities Confirm

Inset: Judah Chesley (Gilbert Police Department). Background: Police outside the Arizona home…

Attorney Faces Disbarment for Inciting Violence: Shocking Claims About Nancy Pelosi and Jan. 6 Mob

Inset: William McCall Calhoun, Jr. (WXIA). Background: FILE – In this Jan.…

Gainesville Drug Bust: High Springs Man Nabbed in Major Trafficking Operation

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, Marcus Marcelius…

Young Mother, 22, Detained Following Discovery of Bruises on Toddler Son

On Sunday, authorities in California arrested a 22-year-old mother following a report…

Detroit Neurosurgeon Murder Suspect Unexpectedly Admits Guilt

This week, a man from Michigan, accused of the murder of a…

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…

Tragic Wyoming Incident: Man Fatally Shoots Wife, Threatens Suicide in 911 Call

A tragic incident unfolded in Wyoming on Wednesday morning when a 43-year-old…

Ex-TV Anchor Deemed Unfit for Trial in Shocking Mother Stabbing Case

A former television news anchor, Angelynn “Angie” Mock, has been deemed mentally…