Authorities in Sumter County, South Carolina, have launched a homicide investigation after the bodies of two women were discovered in a rural clearing on August 8.
The victims were identified as Kristen N. Grissom, 38, of North Charleston, and Christine Marie McAbee, 35, of Walterboro. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the bodies appeared to have been deliberately placed at the site along Richbow Road in the Rembert area.
A landowner found the remains shortly after 1 p.m. and alerted authorities. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 1:17 p.m. Sheriff Anthony Dennis said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no known threat to the public. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting with the case.
Preliminary findings confirmed that McAbee died from a gunshot wound, while the cause of Grissom’s death has yet to be determined pending the results of her autopsy. As of August 12, officials were still treating her death as a possible homicide.
Sumter County Coroner Robert Baker told reporters that both women are believed to have been dead for around a day before their discovery. They were identified through tattoos, fingerprint records, and DNA analysis.
Sheriff Dennis confirmed that Grissom and McAbee knew each other, but declined to provide further details about their relationship or possible motives. He also noted that investigators have received multiple tips but did not indicate whether they have identified a suspect.
At a press conference, Dennis urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case. The Sheriff’s Office is particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area near Richbow Road prior to August 8.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and process the scene. The investigation is ongoing, with officials stressing the importance of community cooperation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 803-436-2000 or submit tips anonymously through www.p3tips.com.
