Sheriff: Family Friend Arrested in Missing Gabrielle Swainson Case
The sheriff will discuss the update of the case at a press conference at 10 a.m.
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Update (10:15 a.m.): A family friend of Gabrielle Swainson is in jail on kidnapping charges, and more than 100 sheriff's deputies and FBI officers are combing an area that includes a junkyard across from his house in Elgin.
But Gabrielle Swainson has not been found, according to an update this morning from Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.
According to Lott, Freddie Grant, 52, was cutting the grass at the home of Gabbiee, a 15-year-old Ridge View High School student, on the morning she went missing. Cell phone records led deputies to Grant's Elgin home, where they found her DNA and blood on a piece of duct tape.
Grant was the boyfriend of Swainson's mother, according to an arrest warrant, but Sheriff Lott wouldn't elaborate on Grant's connection to the family other than saying he was an acquaintance who did some yard work for them.
More than 60 FBI officers and 60 Richland County sheriff's deputies are searching for Gabbiee in a junkyard.
When deputies first questioned Grant last week, he wasn't cooperating, Lott said.
"Once we looked at his record and history, then immediately a flag went up," Lott said.
Grant has several prior convictions, including kidnapping. Deputies returned to his house at 1009 Kelly Street in Elgin Sunday with an arrest warrant.
Deputies still don't know how Grant knew that Swainson was alone in the house, Lott said. They also don't know how he got in. There was no sign of forced entry.
Swainson's mother, Elvia Swainson, has been cooperative and "strong" during the investigation, Lott said.
"Ten days ago, a mother had the biggest nightmare you could have," Lott said at a press conference Tuesday, "and that is to discover that your child has been abducted — particularly to discover that your child has been abducted from home where you think she's safe."
Officials are working to possibly connect this case to the case of another missing woman.
Twenty-eight-old Adriana Diana Laster of Elgin was reported missing earlier this year by a family member in Homestead, Fla. She hasn't been seen since Sept. 3, 2011. Deputies believe the cases may be related.
Original Post (9:30 a.m.): With the country wondering where Gabrielle Swainson is, the sheriff's office is working to provide the public with an update on the case.
At 10 a.m. Patch will be posting live from the press conference.
The girl went missing on Aug. 18. Friends and supporters have gathered daily to pray and search for the missing girl.
susan lawrence
11:20 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
My heart is so heavy.....Oh Lord have mercy Lord, take this cup from this single mom, a lady who loves and adore the most precious gift that you gave her....she did her best Lord, grew this child in the church as you commanded...Lord you are a miracle working God the same today as you were back in the olden days when yoou walked among man...please Jesus even though the odds does'nt look good perform a miracle and usher this child safely back to her mom. Lord if it is not your will to answer this prayer, please give her mom abundant strength and endurance......Amen. summer
Gianni Montanez
1:32 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
how could somebody do this what has this world come to rapist killers massacer this is insane
neil
12:23 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
U live by the tragidies that u cause;and u should possitively die" by the tragedy that u cause!!!freddie grant u r a disgrace to god for creating u.u hurt him to his heart..u r a disgrace to descent human race..
Lilly
6:41 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monster!!! Monster!!! Why do you feel you don't have to talk? You are who I know is truly a real life beast from book of revolation. YOU!!!! Are truly a person who I feel should reap what he sows and you are the one of the ones who will never have peace with yourself. YOU!!! Monster Grant has not only taken someones child you have taken the whole nation. Why!!!! How dare you!!! YOU don't even deserve water in prison!!!! I am si disqusted in you and you are the swines that was casted in the river!!! When I see you picture on t.v all I see is EVIL!!!!! LORD forgive me for my sins but MONSTER!!! GRANT!!!! you will live by the sword and die by the sword!!!! The LORD will speak for you since you don't want to talk. The LORD will show every one where Gabbi is. MONSTER!!! GRANT!!! YOU ARE A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHEING. My heart goes out to Gabbi and Angels are with her. But the lake of fire stands beside you MONSTER!! GRANT!!!!!!!
Jean Bouknight
7:40 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I have to ask God for forgiveness for thinking things I shouldn't about this evil person. I am just so tired of these monster's taking advantage of our innocent children! I don't understand how a man with children can do this to a child. I'm sure he wouldn't want someone to do this to his child. He is so evil & won't even tell where the child is. I cry every time I see this story on the news. I am a mother & a granmother & can't imagine what I would do if I was in this situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the family everyday!
LIZ,WEIKEL
7:53 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
GOD YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SITUATION,END THIS STORM.THE HORROR THAT IS GOING ON.LORD ALLOW HER TO BE ALIVE, SHE IS YOUR CHILD,PROTECT HER LORD, Freddy Kruger ,WHY WON'T YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH.ITS ALL ABOUT YOU,WHAT COULD'VE THAT YOUNG BEAUTIFUL DO TO BE GONE IN A FLASH LIKE THIS,FREE HER.LET THE WHOLE NATION KNOW THE TRUTH.
Rebecca Reeves
8:05 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I will bet he was out on bond - like most of them over here in Richland County who have been caught doing something - and then they go out and do it, again, and then they finally kill someone --- God help her not to be dead, please; I know we are all praying that. Rebecca
Rebecca Reeves
8:07 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Hey - I bet it is "pending approval."
Rebecca Reeves
8:09 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I feel like crap, that is how I feel. I was robbed, stabbed, knocked down in 2010 bya criminal, and now the criminal is out on the streets with 3 years probation against a 7 yr sentence she just got "awarded"!!
Diana Santos
12:47 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
place find the young angel and bring her home I now the feeling my 2 kids wos taking from me but the FBI font tham God. will bring her home
kizzy
1:19 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
My heart goes out to the family, i pray to the lord above that he will bring gabbie home, she dont deserve this terrible action to happen to her, that monster has stolen and rob the mom and family of a child that has not began her future, i will pray and pray for her and the family,
lamontaye
9:00 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012
My heart goes out to the family I pray to the lord to bring gabbie home to her mother don't nobody deserve this he is a monster I pray they don't let him out he need to be on death row an torture fuck him me as a black man I hate people like him forgive me lord but this world getting crazy I have a daughter I would go insane I kno her mother pain please protect her an guide her Jesus amen
shirley henley
9:53 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
While I make no claim of this mans guilt or innocence. I would like to caution all single parents female and male take extra care in who you bring into you and your children(s) lives, while they may appear to be the best thing you have ever encountered they may also be you worst nightmare. There are no guarantees but It probably takes less an hour to run a check on anyone to protect your loved ones whether its the landscaper or a potential new partner.
shirley henley
10:04 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012
To Gabbies' family my thoughts and prayers are for you. God is an ever present help in your time of need, he will see you through the best and the worst of times.
brandy bennett
12:39 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I will pray for her, and I wish I can help some kind of way, by Brandy Bennett student at ridge view high school.
SANDII
3:38 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
I DREAMED OF GABBIEE 3 NIGHTS AGO..THAT SHE WAS IN SOME KIND OF BUNKER AND HAD ON A YELLOW BLOUSE AND SHE WAS STILL ALIVE...I PRAY TO GOD THAT SHE IS.....
Lameta Wages-Hopkins
12:33 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012
Father God I pray that Gabbiee returns home safe to her mother, my heart is soooo heavy right now and I hope and Pray that she is still out there alive and just waiting on someone to look in the right place for her, so Father God I ask you to please guide someone to her please... Gabbiee baby you are not alone, we all are praying and searching for you baby...And if you are not, just think it could be your child out there!
joy
2:29 pm on Wednesday, September 5, 2012
I pray for Gabbie to be returned home safe to her mother. My heart goes out to the family of this beautiful child which is the same age as my daughter.
Alli_U2
4:10 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Were coming for you, Gabbee. Stay strong, still praying for you and your family.