Cold cases

A violent death and the disappearance of a Lander student
have haunted Greenwood County investigators for years

July 24, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

Call them unsolved crimes or “cold cases.” Greenwood County law enforcement officials say they won’t stop investigating until such seemingly dead-end cases are solved.
Whether the case remains unsolved for months or years, investigators continue searching for clues that will bring closure to long-term investigations.
“The only time we feel good about closing a case is when it is solved,” Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks said.
Brooks said a case might be declared inactive but, in a community this size, those cases generally are never retired.
One such case has been active for a little more than five years.
The last time Lander University student Sidney Riggs, then 22, was seen was by mother Sharon Harman just before spring break, on March 4, 2000.
Riggs was a senior accounting major with plans to graduate in 2000.
According to published reports, Riggs was reported missing after he had not been to class.
Investigators said his off-campus apartment was intact and there were no signs of a struggle.
“We have exhausted all of our leads in that case,” Brooks said. “We’ve reached a point — try as we might — we were unable to reach new leads.”
Brooks said sometimes investigators will go several months without a new lead and then, all of a sudden, they’ll get one and start pursuing it.
The Riggs case was reviewed with Riggs’ family, a private attorney and a private investigator.
“We were open and receptive to suggestions they might have. We revisit the case on a very regular basis,” Brooks said.
Every 90 days, investigators working on the Riggs case and other unsolved cases “diary” them.
They document interviews and other information involved with a particular case.
Brooks said that, perhaps in time, people they’ve previously talked to will remember something or have heard something new.
In a case that remains inactive for any length of time, Brooks said, there’s always a chance to revisit.
New technology, such DNA or other forensic advances, could help a case that’s been inactive for years, Brooks said.
The Riggs case is assigned to one detective, but the investigation is a team effort, with multiple officers assisting in the case.
The department has enlisted other agencies to look at the information regarding the Riggs case in order to have “a fresh set of eyes,” the chief said.
This month, investigators with the police department were able to close a case that had remained unsolved for a number of years.
Skeletal remains found in June were positively identified as those of Thomas Edward “Flea” Jackson, of Greenwood.
Jackson had been missing since May 25, 2000 when he walked out of Self Regional Medical Center without being discharged.
A person walking on the Heritage Walking Trail near a creek bed found what turned out to be his remains.
The cause of Jackson’s death was listed as “undetermined.”
Along with the police department, the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office also continues to investigate cold cases.
One such case that remains unsolved involves a young Greenwood woman declared missing more than five years ago.
Renee Chrisley, then 20, was reported missing Nov. 3, 1999. Her body was discovered in an Edgefield rock quarry the following May.
It is believed that she disappeared from her home in Woodland Mobile Home Park after returning home from work at New York Pizza and Pasta.
It was discovered through autopsy reports that Chrisley died from a concussion and asphyxia. In the initial investigation, there were no signs of forced entry into the residence or signs of a struggle.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to put all the pieces together to get information,” said Maj. Jeff Miller, of the sheriff’s office.
Miller said that in a case that’s been active as long as this one, it can bring about a longer search for those same witnesses who might have moved — or investigators might have to re-interview others.
He said there is a defined period of time when investigators sit down and review the files of unsolved cases.
There is no set amount of days before the next review, Miller said, and investigators will often go back to a case when new information arises.
“If there is some new tool that we can use to break the case loose, we’ll use it,” he said of technological advances that are used to help solve cases.
Miller indicated that, 5-10 years ago, some cases requiring computer forensics went unsolved. Today, investigators are able to close those types of cases.
“This is something we feel very strongly about,” Miller said. “We don’t like having open cases.” He said that as investigators, it is his and others’ job to bring every case to some type of conclusion.
“When that can’t happen, it can become frustrating,” he said.
When officers do get updates on a case, every resource, including manpower and technology, is used to pursue that case.
Miller said that with a new administration, it’s as though the department has some fresh insight on the unsolved cases.
Anyone with information about the Riggs case can call the Greenwood Police Department at 942-8413 or Lt. Mike Murdock at 942-8408.
Anyone with information about the Chrisley case or other cases can call the Greenwood County Sheriff's Office at 942-8600.

Racine Hunt Alewine

ANDERSON — Racine Hunt Alewine, 99, formerly of Fleming Drive, widow of Ivy Crayton Alewine, died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Ellenburg Nursing Center.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Evans W. and Bessie Bryson Hunt. She was a homemaker, former member of Fairfield Acres Community Club and a member of Central Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include two sons, I. Duane Alewine and William C. Alewine, both of Anderson; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Paul Langston. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the mortuary.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Sullivan-King Mortuary is in charge.

Burnice ‘Nick’ Harris

McCORMICK — Services for Burnice L. “Nick” Harris, of Route 1, Box 181-E, are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Little Mill Baptist Church, Willington, conducted by the Revs. L.V. Turman and Paul Saunders. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in the church cemetery.
The family is at the home in the Willington section.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Rosa Lee Morrison

McCORMICK — Rosa Lee Sibert Morrison, 94, died Friday, July 22, 2005 at Magnolia Manor in Greenwood.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of the late Ebenezer and Martha Sibert. She moved to Tampa, Fla., attended Florida public schools and returned to McCormick in 1963, becoming a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, the church choir and Missionary. She was the wife of David Morrison of Tampa.
Survivors include a sister, Nancy Bradley of Clearwater, Fla.; a brother, Effie Sibert of Tampa; and caregivers, nephew and niece Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sibert of Greenwood.
Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Roderick C. Cummings. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are church deacons and trustees.
Flower bearers are church ushers.
The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sibert, 106 Redwood St., Greenwood.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Serena Peterson

GREENWOOD — Serena Spencer Peterson, 80, resident of 102 Windsor Oaks Court, widow of Thomas Eugene Peterson, died July 22, 2005 at her home.
Born in Virginia Beach, VA, December 27, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Manlove Causey and Marie Evans Spencer. She was a graduate of Sumter High School, Sumter, SC.
Mrs. Peterson was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Lynn P. Martin of Waterloo and two sons, Brooks E. Peterson and Spencer H. Peterson, both of Macon, GA; two sisters, Sara S. Ham of Macon, GA and Billie S. Lively of Bradenton, FL; grandchildren, Christopher Gallman Lee, Serena Lynn Lee McCann, Thomas Lawrence Peterson, Jayme Marie Lee and Spencer Howard Peterson, Jr.; two great-grandsons.
Mrs. Peterson was predeceased by a son, Hayes G. Peterson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Floyd’s Mortuary, Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg with Richard Martin officiating.
Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Chris Lee, Kevin McCann, Tommy Peterson and Spencer Peterson.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood and will be taken to Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel where visitation will be from 2 to 3:30 Sunday afternoon.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29648 or to The American, PO Box 1741, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISITING THE PETERSON FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Diana Phail

ABBEVILLE — Diana Jean Wittnebert Phail, 63, of 405 Sunset Drive, wife of Kenneth M. Phail, died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at her home.
Born in Jersey City, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Albert and Thelma Wittnebert. She was a retired professional artist and had a degree in recreational therapy, working in that field for many years. She was a member of the Horticultural Society, Master Gardeners, Abbeville Chrysanthemum Garden Club and Artist Guild.
Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, Rob Phail of Indianapolis and Bruce Phail of Marshall, N.C.; two brothers, Al Wittnebert of Mount Dora, Fla., and Herb Wittnebert of Saudi Arabia; a sister, Helen Pheiffer of Hillsdale, N.J.; and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home at a later date.
Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. Conway Shirley, P.O. Box 566, Due West, SC 29639 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
The family is at the home.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Gaynelle Quattlebaum

GREENVILLE — Gaynelle Shivers Quattlebaum, 89, formerly of Brockman Avenue, Sans Souci, widow of Olin P. Quattlebaum, died Friday, July 22, 2005 at Oakmont West.
Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Harry Clinton and Maybelle Goins Shivers. She was a member of Sans Souci Baptist Church, former member of the T.E.L. Sunday School Class and a member of Daughters of the Nile Chapter 117. She served with the Red Cross during World War II.
Survivors include a son, John P. Quattlebaum of Greenville; a granddaughter; and two great-grandsons.
Services are 3 p.m. Monday at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home. Burial is in Springwood Cemetery.
Visitation is 2-2:45 Monday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home, 312 Pine Knoll Drive.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Greenville, 301 University Square, Suite 5300, Greenville, SC 29601.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasmcafee.com

Erline Richey

ABBEVILLE — Erline Estelle Slay Richey, 76, of 488 Highway 185 S., wife of Louie Alexander Richey Sr., died Saturday, July 23, 2005 at The Hospice House in Greenwood.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Steven Albert and Sallie Mae Turner Slay. She was a retired employee of Monsanto Industries in Greenwood, with more than 25 years of service. She attended Westside Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a daughter, Ann Hannigan of Mount Carbon, W.Va.; two sons, Louie A. Richey Jr. of Donalds and Roger Richey of Abbeville; two sisters, Helen Smith and Viola Smith, both of Abbeville; six brothers, Tommy Slay and Allen Slay, both of Abbeville, James Slay and Billy Slay, both of Hodges, “Sam” Rayford Slay and Johnny Slay, both of Greenwood; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Monday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Tommy Cartledge. Entombment is in Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood.
Pallbearers are Tyler Richey, Brence Richey, John Hannigan, Scottie Hannigan, Robbie Adams and Greg Slay.
Visitation is 1:30-2:30 Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to The Hospice House, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Welbourne Schumpert

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Welbourne Montague Schumpert, 91, resident of The Carriage Club, Charlotte, NC, and former resident of McCormick, husband of Catherine Lang Schumpert, died July 21, 2005 at The Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.
Born in Lowndesville, SC, October 9, 1913, he was a son of the late Hugh M. and Montague Huckabee Schumpert. He was a 1931 graduate of McCormick High School and graduated from Clemson College in 1935. He received his M.Ed. degree from the University of South Carolina in 1952. Mr. Schumpert was US Army Veteran of WW II where he obtained the rank of Captain. He served in the China-Burma-India Theatre of Operation and also served as an instructor at The Infantry School, Ft. Benning, GA.
After his tour of military duty, he taught at John de la Howe School for 20 years and later retired as principal of McCormick Elementary School.
Mr. Schumpert was a dedicated member of the McCormick United Methodist Church for over 58 years.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Catherine Lang Schumpert of the home; a daughter, Ann S. Atkinson and husband, Larry of Charlotte, NC; three sons, John M “Monty” and wife, Susan Schumpert of Vienna, VA, Fred L. and wife, Peggy of Lookout Mountain, TN and Hugh M. and wife Zan Schumpert of Acworth, GA; two sisters, Sara S. Gantt of Martinez, GA and Frances S. Lewis of McCormick; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren.
Mr. Schumpert was predeceased by a sister, Kathryne S. Percival and two brothers, Hugh Johnson Schumpert and John Marion Schumpert.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the McCormick United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry James and Jerry Phillips officiating.
Burial will be in Overbrook Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Gantt, Jeff Lewis, Preston Lewis, George Long, Jimmy Smith, Bob Bentley, Brady Link, Craig Schumpert, Blake Schumpert and Roy Schumpert.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood and will be placed in the church at 10:00 Monday morning.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7:30 Sunday evening.
Memorials may be made to McCormick United Methodist Church, Gold Street, McCormick, SC 29835 or to The American Heart Association, PO Box 6604, Columbia, SC 29260-6604.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME, GREENWOOD IS ASSISITING THE SCHUMPERT FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Owning their lanes

Teenage bowlers earn places at state tournament

July 24, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Three teenagers from Greenwood and the Lakelands area bowled their way to Myrtle Beach, participating in the Youth Amateur Bowling Alliance State Tournament.
Waterloo siblings Tony and Jessica Salters, ages 17 and 14 respectively, and Greenwood’s Chris Moore, 17, were the three teenagers who took part in the event, and all earned top three finishes.
The three bowl regularly at the Expo 300 on Highway 25 in Greenwood.
The event pitted bowlers from all over the state in a competition that was divided by age groups and genders. It was not the first appearance at the state tournament for Tony Salters.
“I’ve been down there several times,” said Tony, whose average is about 150. “I guess I enjoy putting pressure on myself. You really do tend to feel the pressure in a big tournament like that.”
For Jessica Salters, appearing in a state level tournament would seem to be something she was destined to do, seeing as how she has been bowling all of her life.
“I’ve been bowling since got big enough to pick up a ball,” said Jessica, whose average is 139. “I’ve been doing it so long I can’t imagine not doing it. I hate sitting around and getting bored, so I just go bowling.”
Tony said that whether he is in tournament play or just bowling for recreation, he could not imagine a better way to spend an evening.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” said Tony, who has been bowling for six years. “You can get together with friends and goof off or you can participate in big competitions. Either way it’s a great game.”
The siblings from Waterloo said they enjoyed their time in Myrtle Beach immensely.
“When we weren’t bowling we went and did other things,” Jessica said. “We went shopping, we went out to eat and of course we went to the beach. I’m glad they do the state tournament in Myrtle Beach.”
Tony established a personal best on the lanes at the YABA tournament when he bowled his highest three-game score ever.
“I bowled a 661 while I was down there,” said Tony. “That’s the highest I’ve ever gone in three games. It felt good to post a personal high in such a big event.”
Jessica said that she found the competitive nature of the event quite attractive.
“It’s challenging because there are so many other great players there,” Jessica said. “You always have to go out and try to do your best. Personally I just like all the competition you get when you go down there.”
The Salters will both be attending Laurens High School in the fall. Tony will be a senior while Jessica will be a freshman. Tony says he will have some limited advice to offer his little sister.
“I’ll tell her where to go on the first day,” Tony said. “After that, she’s on her own.”
Jessica said she was fine with that, as long as Tony understands that she will seek her revenge on the bowling lanes.
“I always try to beat my brother,” Jessica said. “I’ve done it in the past and I’m gonna be beating him some more.”
Tony welcomes the challenge his sibling has to offer.
“It really doesn’t bother me,” said Tony with a laugh. “If she beats me she beats me. Just like at the Myrtle Beach tournament, I’ll always go out there and give it my best.”

Churches aid communities in a way we may overlook

July 24, 2005

Historically speaking, South Carolinians have always been church-going people. Protestantism has been dominant in the state as well as the entire South, to be sure. However, Catholicism, Judaism and other denominations and religions, however, have been integral to our worship orientation.
That makes it logical –and easy – then, to think of churches strictly as centers of worship, along with all that implies, including socializing. They serve us in another important way, though, even if it is seldom, if ever, considered.
We have always looked at our nation as the “great melting pot” of the world. That, in fact, is the story of our 200-plus years of existence.

IT’S WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL nationalities, colors, ethnic origin, religions and just about every other category relative to the human species have come in search of better lives.
Churches, too, serve as “meting pots” for Greenwood and every other community in the Lakelands area. No matter which area of town people live in, no matter what schools their children attend, people from one end of town to the other go to different churches. That brings communities together like nothing else.
Practical everyday pursuits separate us in many activities. Churches bring us together. There is a perfect example:
Some kids who go to Greenwood High School, Cambridge Academy, Greenwood Christian School, Emerald High School and all the others during the week, get together at various churches on Sunday.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION ALSO means freedom of choice in which church we attend, whether they are black or white, protestant or otherwise.
As long as that continues, there will always be common interests and unity among all of us, regardless of what school our kids attend, where we work or by any other measurement of community activity.
Being Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic, Associate Reformed Presbyterian, Anglican, African Methodist Episcopal, Episcopalian, or anything else hasn’t detracted from shared citizenship.
That, of course, is only one of the foremost benefits of the freedoms that make us what we are. And that, to be sure, is why people still want to come here to live. What better testimonial can there be?