The quiet community of Sumter County, South Carolina, has been shaken by the discovery of two women’s bodies in a wooded clearing, leading to a murder arrest and an ongoing investigation. Authorities say more arrests are expected as they continue to piece together what happened to Kristen Grissom, 38, and Christine Marie McAbee, 35.
Arrest Made in Double Homicide Case
On Friday, Sheriff Anthony Dennis announced that Tiamo Henry Mitchell Drakeford has been arrested and charged with:
Murder
Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Desecration of human remains
While Drakeford’s arrest marks progress in the case, Sheriff Dennis stressed that the investigation is far from over, and additional suspects may still be charged.
The Discovery of the Victims
On August 8, 2025, around 1:17 p.m., a landowner discovered two bodies in a wooded clearing off Richbow Road near Rembert. Authorities later identified the victims as:
Kristen Grissom, of North Charleston, age 38
Christine Marie McAbee, of Walterboro, age 35
Investigators believe the women were killed elsewhere and their bodies were dumped in the clearing, where they remained for more than 24 hours before being found.
Autopsy Results Raise Questions
Autopsies provided insight into how the women died:
Christine McAbee was killed by a gunshot wound.
Kristen Grissom showed no physical trauma at the time of her death.
Despite the lack of visible injuries on Grissom, authorities have classified both deaths as homicides, suggesting other possible causes such as poisoning or suffocation are under investigation.
Victims Were Connected
Officials confirmed that Grissom and McAbee did know each other, though the nature of their relationship has not been publicly shared. This connection is expected to play a key role in understanding the motive behind the killings.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Sheriff Dennis praised the teamwork between multiple agencies, highlighting their dedication to solving the case and bringing justice to the victims’ families.
“Every person from each of these agencies has worked tirelessly to assist my Office in solving this case. I am truly humbled and thankful for everyone’s tireless dedication,” Sheriff Dennis said.
The case has drawn widespread attention in the Lowcountry region, as residents wait for answers about why these two women were targeted.
The deaths of Kristen Grissom and Christine McAbee remain under active investigation, with one arrest made and more possible suspects being pursued. For now, families and the community continue to mourn while awaiting further details. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has vowed to push forward until full justice is achieved.
