Grant Ellison dies in fatal Richland County burning

Grant Ellison dies in fatal Richland County burning

Fatal Richland County burning death of Grant Ellison – Obituary

Grant Ellison, 78, of Columbia, South Carolina, was found dead with severe burn injuries inside an apartment on Faraway Drive on June 4.

The Richland County Coroner identified Ellison as the victim in the case, which quickly became a murder investigation after deputies discovered the body in a bedroom covered in burns and char.

Authorities charged 48-year-old Starshemah Jones with murder, two counts of kidnapping, first-degree burglary, second-degree arson, desecration of human remains, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and strong-arm robbery. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department stated Jones allegedly robbed Ellison at knifepoint shortly after midnight on the same day. The two were acquaintances.

Jones reportedly returned to the victim’s residence later, where a confrontation occurred that resulted in Ellison’s fatal injuries.

Deputies were alerted by a person who had checked on Ellison multiple times and found the apartment ransacked and the door unlocked before discovering the burned body and calling 911.

Jones was arrested in Spartanburg with the help of local and state law enforcement agencies. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to gather details surrounding this tragic event.