Photos that appear in The Gaffney Ledger can be purchased at www.gaffneyledger.printroom.com
FRIDAY MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE
2009-07-03 / Front Page
Thursday murder in Gaffney is work of serial killer
FRIDAY MORNING PRESS CONFERENCE
Thursday murder in Gaffney is work of serial killer
By TIM GULLA
Ledger Staff Writer
tim@gaffneyledger.com
Officials confirmed Friday a Thursday night shooting on East Frederick Street that claimed the life of a city businessman and critically injured his 15-year-old daughter was the work of the same person already responsible for three other murders in the past week.
"Under the FBI definition of a serial killer," Sheriff Bill Blanton confirmed during a joint press conference with City of Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner, "yes, we have a serial killer."
An already massive task force of more than 30 investigators from numerous local, state and federal agencies has now grown to at least 100 in the wake of the most recent slaying. The Gaffney Police Department, which had previously been serving in a supporting role, is now actively involved in the task force as well since a murder has now fallen on the city's doorstep.
The parking lot at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on East Frederick Street was completely full with police vehicles, a mobile command center and a SLED helicopter that is being used for aerial searches.
Thursday's shootings on East Frederick Street occurred just a few blocks from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and also the Gaffney Police Department. Officials would not speculate on whether the location of the latest murder held any specific meaning, such as whether the killer was trying to taunt authorities.
Local businessman Stephen Tyler and his 15-year-old daughter, Abby, were found by a store employee Thursday at about 7:15 p.m. inside the Tyler Home Center, located at the corner of East Frederick Street and East Buford Street.
Mr. Tyler was pronounced dead at the scene while Abby Tyler survived a reported gunshot wound to the head and was airlifted to Spartanburg Medical Center.
Officials at Friday's press conference could not provide an update on Abby Tyler's medical condition and a hospital spokesman could not be reached for immediate comment.
While police say the four murders in six days are connected they would not say what evidence or information led them to that conclusion, maintaining that they will not offer comment on their evidence at this time.
In the wake of Thursday night's shooting, investigators backed off earlier claims that the killer is targeting women, saying they won't speculate.
Police had been searching for two different types of vehicles after the June 27 killing on Battleground Road and the Wednesday killings on Buck Shoals Road.
However, Blanton said police are now concentrating on the vehicle description from the June 27 incident, an early 1990s model Ford Explorer with faded gray or champagne-colored paint.
A witness description of a dark blue van, possibly a mini-van, hasn't been panning out.
There's no apparent connection between the four victims so far. They were not related by family, though Blanton said there's always a possibility they knew of each other given the close-knit nature of Cherokee County.
"I knew all the victims in this case," Blanton said.
Forensic specialists were still working all Thursday night and Friday morning at the scene of Wednesday's shooting at 114 Buck Shoals Road and were expected to turn their attention to the East Frederick Street crime scene Friday into Saturday.
Police are continuing to remind residents to be vigilant while continuing to acknowledge concern that an innocent person could be mistaken for the killer given the current atmosphere. It's hoped that people don't start "shooting at shadows."
That's why door-to-door sales people should stop making calls.
A team of about eight people has been assigned exclusively to take calls and tips have been pouring in, officials said.
Police said it's possible that the killer's appearance might have changed since a widely-distributed sketch was circulated Monday. The killer was described as standing about 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds with salt and pepper hair. Police said he also has distinctive, large medium-blue eyes.
By TIM GULLA
Ledger Staff Writer
tim@gaffneyledger.com
Officials confirmed Friday a Thursday night shooting on East Frederick Street that claimed the life of a city businessman and critically injured his 15-year-old daughter was the work of the same person already responsible for three other murders in the past week.
"Under the FBI definition of a serial killer," Sheriff Bill Blanton confirmed during a joint press conference with City of Gaffney Police Chief Rick Turner, "yes, we have a serial killer."
An already massive task force of more than 30 investigators from numerous local, state and federal agencies has now grown to at least 100 in the wake of the most recent slaying. The Gaffney Police Department, which had previously been serving in a supporting role, is now actively involved in the task force as well since a murder has now fallen on the city's doorstep.
The parking lot at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on East Frederick Street was completely full with police vehicles, a mobile command center and a SLED helicopter that is being used for aerial searches.
Thursday's shootings on East Frederick Street occurred just a few blocks from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and also the Gaffney Police Department. Officials would not speculate on whether the location of the latest murder held any specific meaning, such as whether the killer was trying to taunt authorities.
Local businessman Stephen Tyler and his 15-year-old daughter, Abby, were found by a store employee Thursday at about 7:15 p.m. inside the Tyler Home Center, located at the corner of East Frederick Street and East Buford Street.
Mr. Tyler was pronounced dead at the scene while Abby Tyler survived a reported gunshot wound to the head and was airlifted to Spartanburg Medical Center.
Officials at Friday's press conference could not provide an update on Abby Tyler's medical condition and a hospital spokesman could not be reached for immediate comment.
While police say the four murders in six days are connected they would not say what evidence or information led them to that conclusion, maintaining that they will not offer comment on their evidence at this time.
In the wake of Thursday night's shooting, investigators backed off earlier claims that the killer is targeting women, saying they won't speculate.
Police had been searching for two different types of vehicles after the June 27 killing on Battleground Road and the Wednesday killings on Buck Shoals Road.
However, Blanton said police are now concentrating on the vehicle description from the June 27 incident, an early 1990s model Ford Explorer with faded gray or champagne-colored paint.
A witness description of a dark blue van, possibly a mini-van, hasn't been panning out.
There's no apparent connection between the four victims so far. They were not related by family, though Blanton said there's always a possibility they knew of each other given the close-knit nature of Cherokee County.
"I knew all the victims in this case," Blanton said.
Forensic specialists were still working all Thursday night and Friday morning at the scene of Wednesday's shooting at 114 Buck Shoals Road and were expected to turn their attention to the East Frederick Street crime scene Friday into Saturday.
Police are continuing to remind residents to be vigilant while continuing to acknowledge concern that an innocent person could be mistaken for the killer given the current atmosphere. It's hoped that people don't start "shooting at shadows."
That's why door-to-door sales people should stop making calls.
A team of about eight people has been assigned exclusively to take calls and tips have been pouring in, officials said.
Police said it's possible that the killer's appearance might have changed since a widely-distributed sketch was circulated Monday. The killer was described as standing about 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds with salt and pepper hair. Police said he also has distinctive, large medium-blue eyes.
While his appearance might have changed, his general physical characteristics remain the same.
"You can't change your height," Blanton said, "and he's only had five days to change his weight."
Additional updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
"You can't change your height," Blanton said, "and he's only had five days to change his weight."
Additional updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
