Gaffney serial killer still not found

In a rural South Carolina town Gaffney, a few summer schools began Monday, businesses opened following the July Fourth weekend, and the 13,000 residents sought to go about their business as usual.

Photo: Gaffney serial killer still not found

Gaffney serial killer still not found

But the town - and the rest of Cherokee County, total population about 50,000 -- is gripped with fear. Over the past nine days, a serial killer has left five people dead, police say.

The killer's latest victim was 15-year-old Abby Tyler, who was shot last week and died Saturday. Her father, Stephen Tyler, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting in their family-run furniture and appliance store, CNN International reports.

With a fifth person now dead and authorities in Gaffney still searching for serial killer, the Cherokee County sheriff’s department is issuing a desperate plea to help find the man who has left their small town in fear.

Sheriff Bill Blanton has released the above sketch off the alleged murderer and has now offered a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the capture of the man, The Palmetto Scoop reports.

Mr. Blanton said witnesses described the man as about 6-feet-2 inches tall with salt and pepper hair. He said investigators are working the case intensely.
"Each day this task force is getting a little closer we think," he said, Wall Street Journal reports.