Sumter coroner confirms gunshot wound in killing of 1 of 2 women found in county; $5,000 reward offered for information

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon where he announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the death of two women found in Rembert on Friday.

After 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, deputies arrived at Richbow Road to find the bodies of 35-year-old Christine Marie McAbee, of Walterboro in Colleton County, and 38-year-old Kristen N. Grissom, of North Charleston, placed just off a driveway. According to Dennis, the women were acquaintances and their bodies appeared to be transported and placed at that location, based on the conditions of the bodies when found and the landowner’s inspection of the property 24 hours before the bodies were discovered. Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker added they appeared to be at the location for a day to a day and a half.

Where the killings occurred and if anyone in Sumter County assisted in the transportation of their bodies remains under investigation.

Baker confirmed autopsy results for McAbee stated her cause of death was a gunshot wound. He added that specifics of her injuries could not be discussed because of the ongoing investigation.

At the time of the press conference, an autopsy was being conducted on Grissom. Baker said preliminary information would be available to him this afternoon, Aug. 12. 

The case has been reclassified as a double homicide and assistance of SLED has been requested, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office has received numerous tips over the past few days but gave no specifics on whether the office is closer to finding a suspect.

Dennis stated the incident appears to be isolated and there is no known danger to the public.

“First arriving on the scene and seeing this type of incident in our community and the uproar in the community, the fear of those in that community, it does have an effect, not only on our agency, but the community. That’s why we are doing everything possible,” Dennis said during the press conference.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office at (803) 436-2000. In case of an emergency, call 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through p3tips.com, and tipsters may be eligible for a reward.