Todd Kohlhepp

{{Short description|American convicted serial killer (born 1971)}}

{{Infobox criminal

| image = Todd Christopher Kohlhepp.png

| alt =

| caption = Kohlhepp's SCDC Inmate Photo, 2017

| birth_name = Todd Christopher Sampsell

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|03|07|mf=yes}}

| birth_place = Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.

| occupation = Realtor

| conviction_status = Incarcerated

| conviction = Arizona
Kidnapping
South Carolina
Murder (7 counts)
Kidnapping (3 counts)
First degree criminal sexual conduct

| victims = 7 killed (confirmed)
2 survivors
(possibly more crimes)

| beginyear = November 25, 1986; November 7, 2003

| country = United States

| states = South Carolina
Arizona

| endyear = August 31, 2016

| apprehended = November 3, 2016

| imprisoned = Broad River Correctional Institution (Columbia, South Carolina)

| conviction_penalty = Arizona
Life without parole
South Carolina
Life imprisonment without parole

}}

Todd Christopher Kohlhepp ({{ne}} Sampsell; born March 7, 1971) is an American sex offender, mass shooter, and serial killer convicted of murdering seven people in South Carolina between 2003 and 2016. In addition, Kohlhepp kidnapped and raped at least two women and claims to have killed many more.{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/convicted-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-reportedly-claims-victims/story?id=51709128 |title=Convicted serial killer Todd Kohlhepp reportedly claims more victims |first=Dean |last=Schabner |date=December 11, 2017 |work=ABC News |url-status=live |archive-date=December 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219133527/https://abcnews.go.com/US/convicted-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-reportedly-claims-victims/story?id=51709128}}

Early life

Todd Christopher Sampsell was born on March 7, 1971, in Florida and was raised in South Carolina and Georgia.{{cite news|last1=Hayden|first1=Michael Edison|last2=Schabner|first2=Dean|last3=Winsor|first3=Morgan|title=What We Know About Todd Kohlhepp's Confession to 2003 Murders in South Carolina|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/todd-kohlhepps-confession-2003-murders-south-carolina/story?id=43358913|work=ABC News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107201538/http://abcnews.go.com/US/todd-kohlhepps-confession-2003-murders-south-carolina/story?id=43358913|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/mother-of-suspect-in-south-carolina-killings-says-he-is/article_4f5c5204-2f6d-571e-ba41-6190a71a5ac0.html|title=Mother of suspect in 7 South Carolina killings says he is 'not a monster'|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|agency=Associated Press|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|first1=Seanna|last1=Adcox|first2=Jonathan|last2=Drew|archive-date=November 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114160531/http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/mother-of-suspect-in-south-carolina-killings-says-he-is/article_4f5c5204-2f6d-571e-ba41-6190a71a5ac0.html|url-status=live}} His parents divorced when he was two years old. His mother gained custody and married another man the following year.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-case-48-hours-confessions-of-a-suspected-serial-killer-buried-truth/|title=Todd Kohlhepp Case: Confessions of a Suspected Serial Killer|work=CBS 48 Hours|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=November 12, 2016|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113043454/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-case-48-hours-confessions-of-a-suspected-serial-killer-buried-truth/|url-status=live}} Later psychological reports found that Kohlhepp had an unhealthy relationship with his stepfather and often wanted to live with his biological father, whom he had not seen in eight years.{{cite news| url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/12/driven-anger/93548938/| title=Kohlhepp driven by anger|work=The Greenville News|date=November 13, 2016|access-date=November 13, 2016|first=Eric|last=Connor}}

Kohlhepp was described as a troublesome child. In nursery school, he was known to be aggressive toward other children and would destroy their property.{{cite news|url=http://wbtw.com/2016/11/04/court-documents-at-15-years-old-kohlhepp-tied-up-14-year-old-sexually-assaulted-her/|title=Court documents: at 15 years old, Kohlhepp tied up 14-year-old, sexually assaulted her|work=WBTW|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108125807/http://wbtw.com/2016/11/04/court-documents-at-15-years-old-kohlhepp-tied-up-14-year-old-sexually-assaulted-her/|archive-date=January 8, 2018|url-status=dead|date=November 4, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016}} At the age of nine, when he started undergoing counseling, Kohlhepp was described as being "explosive" and "preoccupied with sexual content." He also displayed cruelty to animals, shooting a dog with a BB gun and killing a goldfish using Clorox bleach.{{cite news|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-kidnapper-of-woman-found-chained-like-dog/|title=Todd Kohlhepp, accused kidnapper of woman found "chained like dog"|date=November 4, 2016|publisher=Nexstar Media|accessdate=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127052556/https://www.wwlp.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-kidnapper-of-woman-found-chained-like-dog/|archive-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live}}

Kohlhepp's father later said the only emotion his son was capable of was anger and madness.{{cite news|title=Who is suspected serial killer Todd Kohlhepp?|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-south-carolina-who-is-suspected-serial-killer/|author=Crimesider Staff|work=CBS News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108100250/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-south-carolina-who-is-suspected-serial-killer/|url-status=live}} Kohlhepp spent three and a half months in a Georgia psychiatric hospital as an inpatient because of his inability to get along with other children.

Eventually, in 1983, Kohlhepp was sent to live with his biological father in Arizona after his mother and stepfather separated. He took his father's surname and began working a number of local jobs. He also inherited his father's hobby of collecting weapons and was taught by him to "blow things up and make bombs." Despite this, their relationship deteriorated due to his father's absence with a number of girlfriends, and Kohlhepp repeatedly expressed a desire to return to his mother, though she reportedly made excuses to extend his stay.{{cite news|url=http://wspa.com/2016/11/21/cold-cases-in-az-being-reviewed-for-kohlhepp-connections/|first=Brianna|last=Smith|title=Cold cases in AZ being reviewed for Kohlhepp connections|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921142220/http://wspa.com/2016/11/21/cold-cases-in-az-being-reviewed-for-kohlhepp-connections/|archive-date=September 21, 2017|url-status = dead|work=WSPA-TV|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016}}

=1987 kidnapping conviction=

On November 25, 1986, 15-year-old Kohlhepp kidnapped 14-year-old Kristie Granado in Tempe, Arizona. He threatened her with a .22-caliber revolver, brought her back to his home, tied her up, taped her mouth shut, and raped her. Afterwards, he walked her home and threatened to kill her entire family if she told anyone about what had happened. Kohlhepp was charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, and committing a dangerous crime against children.

In 1987, he pleaded guilty to the kidnapping charge, and the other charges were dropped. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison and registered as a sex offender.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/us/south-carolina-kohlhepp-cold-case-killings/|title=Todd Kohlhepp: The short fuse of a suspected serial killer|work=CNN|date=November 10, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|first1=Robert|last1=Ray|first2=Beth|last2=Carey|first3=Darran|last3=Simon|first4=Phil|last4=Gast|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111033706/http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/us/south-carolina-kohlhepp-cold-case-killings/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/tempe/2016/11/05/south-carolina-man-arrested-after-woman-chained-served-time-arizona-prison/93327044/|first=Jerod|last=MacDonald-Evoy|title=Man accused of enslaving South Carolina woman had Arizona troubles|work=The Greenville News|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 18, 2016}} According to court records, Kohlhepp was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and was noted as having an above-average IQ of 118 (percentile rank 88.5 at σ ⁠= ⁠15).

The judge in the case said Kohlhepp was "very bright and should be advanced academically," but "behaviorally and emotionally dangerous" and likely could not be rehabilitated. Kohlhepp's probation officer wrote a similar description in court papers and added that Kohlhepp "felt the world owed him something." Kohlhepp's attorney in that case later went on to say that, when defending him, "he did not believe his client would go on to harm others" in the future.{{cite news|url=http://myfox8.com/2016/11/12/former-attorney-for-todd-kohlhepp-no-indication-that-he-was-a-bundy/|title=Former attorney for Todd Kohlhepp: 'No indication that he was a Bundy'|work=My FOX 8|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=November 12, 2016|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113115531/http://myfox8.com/2016/11/12/former-attorney-for-todd-kohlhepp-no-indication-that-he-was-a-bundy/|url-status=live}} During his imprisonment, Kohlhepp was initially cited for violations that included some violent behavior; after turning twenty, however, he had no other records of disobedience.

Release

In August 2001, Kohlhepp was released from prison after serving fourteen years and moved to South Carolina, where his mother was living.{{cite news|url=https://eu.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2016/11/04/missing-how-anderson-couples-case-unfolded/93302680/|title=Todd Kohlhepp: Timeline of events|work=The Greenville News|date=November 4, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|first=Nikie|last=Mayo}} During his imprisonment, he attended and graduated from Central Arizona College with a bachelor's degree in computer science. From January 2002 to November 2003, he worked as a graphic designer for a company in Spartanburg. He began studying at Greenville Technical College in 2003. Kohlhepp transferred to the University of South Carolina Upstate the following year and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration-marketing.{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114001742/https://www.yahoo.com/news/successful-real-estate-firm-built-during-hidden-crime-150129212.html|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/successful-real-estate-firm-built-during-hidden-crime-150129212.html| first1=Jonathan|last1=Drew| first2=Seanna| last2=Adcox| archive-date=November 14, 2016|title=Successful real-estate firm built between grisly crimes|work=Yahoo! News|agency=Associated Press|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=November 12, 2016}}

Despite being registered as a sex offender, Kohlhepp was able to get a real estate license on June 30, 2006, after lying about the felony charge on his application. From this, he built a firm that had a dozen agents in its employ. He had been recognized as a top-selling agent in the Carolina region. The firm was closed down following his arrest.{{cite news|url=https://eu.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/07/investigators-look-third-body-kohlhepp-property/93415002/|title=Third body recovered from Todd Kohlhepp's property|work=The Greenville News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}} Kohlhepp also acquired a private pilot license and several properties out of state.{{cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/gma/detectives-rescued-woman-suspected-south-carolina-serial-killer-115701978--abc-news-topstories.html#|title=Detectives Who Rescued Woman From Suspected South Carolina Serial Killer Speak Out|first1=Roger|last1=Lee|first2=Kelly|last2=McCarthy|work=Good Morning America|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325050438/https://www.yahoo.com/gma/detectives-rescued-woman-suspected-south-carolina-serial-killer-115701978--abc-news-topstories.html|url-status=dead}} In May 2014, he purchased nearly {{convert|100|acre}} of land, located in an area nine miles (fourteen kilometers) from the community of Moore, for $305,632. He then set up a fence, which cost $80,000, around the property.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/04/us/todd-kohlhepp-south-carolina-suspect/|first=Catherine E.|last=Shoichet|title=Todd Kohlhepp: South Carolina realtor accused in kidnapping, killings|work=CNN|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110183614/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/04/us/todd-kohlhepp-south-carolina-suspect/|url-status=live}}

A customer who sold her home to Kohlhepp remembered him as extremely outgoing and professional, but noted that he would often talk about his firearms and sometimes subtly use sexual innuendo during their conversations. Conversely, a woman who assisted one of Kohlhepp's employees described him as angry and condescending towards her partner.{{cite news|url=https://eu.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/07/kohlhepp-remembered-great-salesman-chilling-quirks/93422038/|first1=Ron|last1=Barnett|first2=Kirk|last2=Brown|title=Kohlhepp remembered as great salesman with chilling quirks|work=The Greenville News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}} A banker who worked with Kohlhepp said he often watched pornographic videos, even at work.

Kohlhepp frequented a Waffle House restaurant in Roebuck, where his behavior disturbed the waitresses to the point where the male cook began to take Kohlhepp's orders for them. According to this employee, one of the waitresses was Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie, one of Kohlhepp's victims.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-serial-killer-met-victim-at-waffle-house-report-says/|title=Todd Kohlhepp, accused serial killer, met victim at Waffle House, report says|work=CBS News|date=November 17, 2016|access-date=November 17, 2016|archive-date=November 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117225115/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-serial-killer-met-victim-at-waffle-house-report-says/|url-status=live}}

Murders

On November 6, 2003, a customer found four people shot dead inside Superbike Motorsports, a motorcycle shop in Chesnee. The victims were identified as owner Scott Ponder, 30; service manager Brian Lucas, 29; mechanic Chris Sherbert, 26; and bookkeeper Beverly Guy, 52, who was Ponder's mother. All four died from multiple gunshot wounds. Before Kohlhepp confessed to the shootings in 2016, investigators believed that the gunman, armed with a pistol, entered the shop from the back and killed Sherbert as he worked.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/05/us/south-carolina-chained-womans-boyfriend-body-idd/|first=Steve|last=Almasy|title=South Carolina kidnapping suspect charged with 4 killings in cold case|work=CNN|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107151257/http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/05/us/south-carolina-chained-womans-boyfriend-body-idd/|url-status=live}} He then killed Guy in the middle of the showroom, Lucas at the main doorway, and Ponder in the parking lot.

According to Ponder's widow, Kohlhepp was a disgruntled customer who had been in the shop several times.{{cite news|url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/05/super-bike-slayings-unsolved-13-years/93377108/|title=Superbike slayings unsolved for 13 years|work=The Greenville News|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|first=Jennifer|last=Burns}} According to Kohlhepp's mother, he attempted to return a motorcycle there, but the employees laughed at him.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-carolina-alleged-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-mother-speaks-out/|title=Mother of Todd Kohlhepp, alleged S.C. serial killer: "Todd was not a monster"|work=CBS News|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111152724/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/south-carolina-alleged-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-mother-speaks-out/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/11/south-carolina-killers-mom-explains-why-her-son-todd-kohlhepp-killed-woman-chained-dog-serial-killer/93640114/|title=Mom of accused serial killer Todd Kohlhepp: He 'is not a monster'|work=USA Today|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|first=Michael|last=Burns|archive-date=November 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113033236/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/11/south-carolina-killers-mom-explains-why-her-son-todd-kohlhepp-killed-woman-chained-dog-serial-killer/93640114/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://wbtw.com/2016/11/11/todd-kohlhepp-told-mom-why-he-kept-kala-brown-alive/|title=Todd Kohlhepp told mom why he kept Kala Brown alive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113170628/http://wbtw.com/2016/11/11/todd-kohlhepp-told-mom-why-he-kept-kala-brown-alive/|archive-date=November 13, 2016|url-status = dead|work=WBTW|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016}}

On August 31, 2016, Kala Brown, 30, and her boyfriend Charles David Carver, 32, went missing after they went to remove brush from one of Kohlhepp's properties. Carver was later found dead of multiple gunshots on the property.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-of-kidnapping-kala-brown-confesses-to-2003-murders-sheriff-says/|title=Man accused of kidnapping S.C. woman confesses to 2003 murders, sheriff says|work=CBS News|agency=Associated Press|date=November 5, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107150528/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-accused-of-kidnapping-kala-brown-confesses-to-2003-murders-sheriff-says/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sheriff-man-killed-confesses-2003-slayings-43336516|title=Captive's Rescue Leads to Break in Grisly Quadruple Slaying|work=ABC News|agency=Associated Press|date=November 6, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016| first1=Meg|last1=Kinnard|first2=Seanna|last2=Adcox |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107133827/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/sheriff-man-killed-confesses-2003-slayings-43336516 |archive-date=November 7, 2016}} Interest in the disappearance of Brown and Carver increased as a result of posts on Carver's Facebook account following their disappearance, the unusual nature of which prompted speculation that another party had taken control of his Facebook account.{{cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/socialmedia/2016/10/15/missing-mans-facebook-account-springs-to-life-with-cryptic-messages-is-it-him/|first=Bryan|last=Clark|title=Missing man's Facebook account springs to life with cryptic messages — is it him?|work=The Next Web|date=October 15, 2016|access-date=July 7, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022142115/https://thenextweb.com/socialmedia/2016/10/15/missing-mans-facebook-account-springs-to-life-with-cryptic-messages-is-it-him/|url-status=live}}

On November 3, authorities found Brown chained to the wall inside a metal storage container on the property. Investigators had tracked her down after tracing the couple's last known cellphone signals, after which they heard banging noises coming from inside the container. A search of Kohlhepp's property recovered Carver's vehicle, which was found in a ravine covered in brush.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/03/us/missing-south-carolina-woman-found/index.html|title=Missing South Carolina woman found chained in metal container|work=CNN|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|first1=Steve|last1=Almasy|first2=Keith|last2=Allen|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107080415/http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/03/us/missing-south-carolina-woman-found/index.html|url-status=live}}

Brown said that she had seen Carver being shot by Kohlhepp. Kohlhepp's mother said Carver was killed for having a "really smart mouth," which Kohlhepp did not like. Kohlhepp also said he had kept Brown captive because she did not do anything wrong and that he did not want to hurt her. However, Brown told police just after her rescue that Kohlhepp had killed Carver because Kohlhepp was "mad at her."{{cite episode|url=https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/people-magazine-investigates/full-episodes/killing-field|series=People Magazine Investigates|title=Killing Field|date=January 1, 2018|season=2|number=8|network=Investigation Discovery|access-date=December 10, 2018|archive-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211190216/https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/tv-shows/people-magazine-investigates/full-episodes/killing-field|url-status=live}} During her captivity, Brown was raped repeatedly, and intimidated into not escaping after having been shown the graves of Kohlhepp's other victims.{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-chained-inside-container-fed-once-per-day-shown-gravesites-33198005.html|title=Woman chained inside container fed once per day, shown gravesites|work=Yahoo7 News|date=November 13, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016|archive-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211095539/https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-chained-inside-container-fed-once-per-day-shown-gravesites-33198005.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/todd-kohlhepp-confesses-murders-his-mother-after-being-arrested-kidnapping-kala-brown-1591345|title=Todd Kohlhepp confesses murders to his mother after being arrested for kidnapping Kala Brown|first=Nicole|last=Rojas|work=The International Business Times UK|date=November 14, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016|archive-date=November 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114065429/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/todd-kohlhepp-confesses-murders-his-mother-after-being-arrested-kidnapping-kala-brown-1591345|url-status=live}}

Two bodies were discovered on Kohlhepp's property following his arrest, on November 6–7.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-another-body-uncovered-on-suspected-serial-killers-lot-where-kala-brown-found-chained/|author=Crimesider Staff|title=Another body found on suspected serial killer's lot where woman found chained|work=CBS News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016|archive-date=November 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108092858/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-another-body-uncovered-on-suspected-serial-killers-lot-where-kala-brown-found-chained/|url-status=live}} They were later identified as husband and wife Johnny Joe Coxie, 29, and Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie, 26, residents of Spartanburg, who were reported missing on December 22, 2015. They had allegedly been hired by Kohlhepp to work on his property.{{cite news|last=Kalsi|first=Dal|title=Coroner: Missing Spartanburg husband, wife found buried on Kohlhepp property|url=http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/33623546/sheriff-missing-anderson-woman-found-chained-like-a-dog-in-spartanburg-co|work=FOX Carolina|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110032904/http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/33623546/sheriff-missing-anderson-woman-found-chained-like-a-dog-in-spartanburg-co|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/09/spartanburg-coroner-release-identities-2-bodies-found-kohlhepp-land/93546930/|first1=Michael|last1=Burns|first2=Nathaniel|last2=Cary|title=Spartanburg husband, wife identified as bodies on Todd Kohlhepp land|work=The Greenville News|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016}} McCraw-Coxie had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head on December 25 or 26, while Coxie had been killed a week earlier by a gunshot wound to the torso. According to the county coroner, they were identified through their extensive tattoos.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-suspected-south-carolina-serial-killer-faces-more-murder-charges/|author=Crimesider Staff|title=Todd Kohlhepp, suspected S.C. serial killer, faces more murder charges|work=CBS News|agency=Associated Press|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201095251/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/todd-kohlhepp-suspected-south-carolina-serial-killer-faces-more-murder-charges/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/28/todd-kohlhepp-formally-charged-deaths-three-people/94566216/|first=Romando|last=Dixson|title=Todd Kohlhepp formally charged in 3 deaths|work=The Greenville News|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016}}

List of known victims

border="1" class="wikitable" !width="250"\|Name !Sex !Age !width="200"\|Date of murder/disappearance
Kristie Granado (survived) \| F	14	November 12, 1986
Scott Ponder	M	30	November 6, 2003
Brian Lucas	M	29	November 6, 2003
Chris Sherbert	M	26	November 6, 2003
Beverly Guy	F	52	November 6, 2003
Johnny Joe Coxie	M	29	December 19, 2015
Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie	F	26	December 25 or 26, 2015
Kala Brown (survived)	F	30	August 31, 2016
Charles David Carver	M	32	August 31, 2016

Arrest and investigation

Kohlhepp was arrested shortly after Brown's rescue. He later confessed to the Chesnee shootings and the murders of the Coxies in exchange for a being allowed to talk to his mother, give her a photograph, and transfer money to the college fund of a friend's child. While meeting with his mother, he reportedly confessed to the killings and kidnapping. When he confessed to the Chesnee shootings, Kohlhepp revealed details of the killings that had never been made public.

A search of Kohlhepp's property uncovered numerous weapons, including 9mm pistols fitted with suppressors, semi-automatic rifles, and an undetermined amount of ammunition. Because there was no record of a background check under Kohlhepp's name for the purchase of a firearm, investigators believe he likely acquired the weapons illegally.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/08/todd-kohlhepp-acquire-guns/93505174/|first=Tim|last=Smith|title=How did Todd Kohlhepp acquire guns? 'Good question'|work=USA Today|date=November 8, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2016|archive-date=November 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112121238/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/11/08/todd-kohlhepp-acquire-guns/93505174/|url-status=live}}

Shortly after Kohlhepp's arrest, authorities in Spartanburg County discovered a number of seemingly joking product reviews for various items such as padlocks, shovels, tasers, and gun accessories on retail website Amazon.com written by a user known simply as "me". One review about a padlock stated, "solid locks.. have 5 on a shipping container.. wont stop them.. but sure will slow them down til they are too old to care." Another, written for a folding shovel, read, "keep in car for when you have to hide the bodies and you left the full size shovel at home.... does not come with a midget, which would have been nice." The reviewer's "wish list" page was listed as Todd Kohlhepp.{{cite news|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/06/chilling-amazon-product-reviews-catch-attention-kohlhepp-investigators/93403782/|first=Nathaniel|last=Cary|title=Chilling Amazon product reviews catch attention of Kohlhepp investigators|work=USA Today|date=November 6, 2016|access-date=December 4, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205231603/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/06/chilling-amazon-product-reviews-catch-attention-kohlhepp-investigators/93403782/|url-status=live}}

Following his arrest, Kohlhepp told his mother that there were many other victims than those known. When his mother asked how many, his response was, "You do not have enough fingers." During interrogation, he said he had shot a victim in Arizona. On November 18, 2016, it was reported that the Tempe Police Department had begun an investigation into Kohlhepp's claim, searching through unsolved homicides in the past three decades.{{cite news|url=http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/11/18/arizona-police-eye-accused-sc-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp/94067900/|first=Michael|last=Burns|title=Arizona police eye accused SC serial killer Todd Kohlhepp|work=The Greenville News|date=November 18, 2016|access-date=November 18, 2016}} They said they would focus on cases dated from 1983 to 1986, when Kohlhepp was living with his father, and also between August 2001, when Kohlhepp completed his sentence for kidnapping, and November 2001, when he moved back to South Carolina.{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/arizona-police-search-unsolved-murder-cases-any-connections-todd-kohlhepp-1592924|first=Nicole|last=Rojas|title=Arizona police search unsolved murder cases for any connections to Todd Kohlhepp|work=The International Business Times UK|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201904/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/arizona-police-search-unsolved-murder-cases-any-connections-todd-kohlhepp-1592924|url-status=live}}

On November 25, 2016, police in Greer, South Carolina, announced that they had named Kohlhepp as a person of interest in an unsolved 2003 bank robbery and triple homicide at the local Blue Ridge Savings Bank that had taken place six months before the Chesnee shootings.{{cite news|url=http://greertoday.com/greer-sc/greer-police-trying-to-connect-elusive-clue-to-triple-murder-case/2016/11/25/|first=Jim|last=Fair|title=Greer police trying to connect elusive clue to triple-murder case|work=Greer Today|date=November 25, 2016|access-date=November 25, 2016|archive-date=November 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126053305/http://greertoday.com/greer-sc/greer-police-trying-to-connect-elusive-clue-to-triple-murder-case/2016/11/25/|url-status=live}} However, as of May 16, 2018, no definitive link between Kohlhepp and the killings had been established; Kohlhepp denied any involvement in the case.{{cite news|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2018/05/16/15-years-later-blue-ridge-savings-bank-murders-still-unsolved/614550002/|first=Daniel J.|last=Gross|title=15 years later: Blue Ridge Savings Bank triple murders still unsolved|work=The Greenville News|date=May 16, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}}

In December 2017, Kohlhepp wrote to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal claiming that he had more victims who had not been discovered.{{cite news|last=Gross|first=Daniel J.|title=Serial killer Todd Kohlhepp claims to have more victims|url=https://eu.goupstate.com/story/news/2017/12/11/serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-claims/16853112007/|access-date=December 11, 2017|work=Spartanburg Herald-Journal|date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118105740/https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2017/12/11/serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-claims/16853112007/|url-status=live}}

Legal proceedings and guilty pleas

Kohlhepp was charged with four counts of murder in relation to the Chesnee shootings and one count of kidnapping in relation to Brown's abduction. He was later charged with three additional counts of murder for the murders of Carver and the Coxies, along with one additional count of kidnapping and three counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/s-c-suspected-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-charged-three-more-n689336|first=Alex|last=Johnson|title=S.C. Suspected Serial Killer Todd Kohlhepp Charged With Three More Murders|work=NBC News|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202015301/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/s-c-suspected-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-charged-three-more-n689336|url-status=live}} Kohlhepp's next court appearance was scheduled for January 19, 2017, where Kohlhepp's attorney waived their right to appearance.{{cite news|url=https://www.wspa.com/news/todd-kohlhepps-attorney-waives-first-appearance/|first=Brianna|last=Smith|title=Todd Kohlhepp's attorney waives first appearance|work=WSPA-TV|date=January 19, 2017|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615223748/https://www.wspa.com/news/todd-kohlhepps-attorney-waives-first-appearance/|url-status=live}}

According to a report by WLTX, relatives of the Chesnee shooting victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him. On December 1, it was announced that Brown had also filed a civil lawsuit against him.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2016/12/01/Woman-chained-on-SC-property-sues-accused-serial-killer-Todd-Kohlhepp/1271480608312/|first=Andrew V.|last=Pestano|title=Woman chained on S.C. property sues accused serial killer Todd Kohlhepp|work=UPI|date=December 1, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=December 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207152149/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2016/12/01/Woman-chained-on-SC-property-sues-accused-serial-killer-Todd-Kohlhepp/1271480608312/|url-status=live}}

On May 26, 2017, Kohlhepp pleaded guilty to seven counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in a plea bargain that spared him from capital punishment.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/south-carolina-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-pleads-guilty-7-murders-n765091|first=Erik|last=Ortiz|title=South Carolina 'Serial Killer' Todd Kohlhepp Pleads Guilty in 7 Murders|work=NBC News|date=May 26, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526161617/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/south-carolina-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-pleads-guilty-7-murders-n765091|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/26/us/south-carolina-kohlhepp-guilty-plea/|first1=Samira|last1=Said|first2=Jason|last2=Hanna|title=Todd Kohlhepp pleads guilty to murdering 7 over 13 years|work=CNN|date=May 26, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=June 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603104105/https://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/26/us/south-carolina-kohlhepp-guilty-plea/|url-status=live}}

Kohlhepp has since repeatedly admitted that there were at least two other murders. As of August 2018, he had not given authorities the details.{{cite news|url=https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/serial-killer/serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-claims-2-more-south-carolina-murders|first=Catherine|last=Townsend|title=Serial Killer Todd Kohlhepp Claims 2 More South Carolina Murders|date=August 22, 2018|access-date=July 23, 2019|work=Investigation Discovery|archive-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812031652/http://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/serial-killer/serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-claims-2-more-south-carolina-murders|url-status=dead}} Kohlhepp is currently imprisoned at Broad River Correctional Institution.{{Cite web |url=https://public.doc.state.sc.us/scdc-public/inmateDetails.do?id=%2000372454 |title=Inmate Search Detail Report |work=South Carolina Department of Corrections |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711193135/https://public.doc.state.sc.us/scdc-public/inmateDetails.do?id=%2000372454 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article209679819.html |title=Notorious SC serial killer moved after victims' families complain about his prison setup|first=Noah|last=Feit|date=April 24, 2018|website=The State|archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711193135/https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article209679819.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/sc-dept-of-corrections-says-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-no-longer-in-protective-custody/article_bde74b86-c80c-5f97-a9ce-174f73907215.html|title=SC Dept. Of Corrections says serial killer Todd Kohlhepp no longer in protective custody|first=Amanda|last=Shaw|date=23 April 2018|website=FOX Carolina|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711193134/https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/sc-dept-of-corrections-says-serial-killer-todd-kohlhepp-no-longer-in-protective-custody/article_bde74b86-c80c-5f97-a9ce-174f73907215.html|url-status=dead}}

In August 2020, some of Kohlhepp's belongings were auctioned, and the proceeds were donated to the victims' families.{{Cite web|last=Ablon|first=Matthew|title=More items belonging to convicted serial killer Kohlhepp going to auction|url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/more-items-belonging-to-convicted-serial-killer-kohlhepp-going-to-auction/article_d2fbd864-d39d-11ea-9df8-d30101b3026d.html|date=August 1, 2020|website=FOX Carolina|language=en|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805130517/https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/more-items-belonging-to-convicted-serial-killer-kohlhepp-going-to-auction/article_d2fbd864-d39d-11ea-9df8-d30101b3026d.html|url-status=dead}}

Dustan Lawson

Dustan Lawson, a man accused of buying firearms and silencers for Kohlhepp despite knowing he was a convicted felon, faced federal charges. Lawson admitted to buying at least 12 guns and five silencers from 2012 to 2016, lying that they were for himself.{{Cite web |last=Gross |first=Daniel J. |title=Man accused of supplying guns to serial killer Todd Kohlhepp pleads guilty |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2018/05/23/man-accused-supplying-guns-todd-kohlhepp-enter-plea/633500002/ |date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=The Greenville News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Man who bought 12 guns for serial killer pleads guilty |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/may/24/man-who-bought-12-guns-serial-killer-pleads-guilty/ |date=May 24, 2018|access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=Arkansas Online |language=en |agency=The Associated Press |location=Columbia, SC, US |url-status=live |archive-date=August 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817044050/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/may/24/man-who-bought-12-guns-serial-killer-pleads-guilty/}} In 2018, he pleaded guilty to 36 federal firearm charges and was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.{{Cite web |last=Orr |first=Adam |title=Todd Kohlhepp's gun buyer sentenced to more than seven years in prison |url=https://eu.goupstate.com/story/news/crime/2018/09/18/todd-kohlhepps-gun-buyer-sentenced-to-more-than-seven-years-in-prison/10177750007/ |date=September 18, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=Spartanburg Herald Journal |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-date=January 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118132529/https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/crime/2018/09/18/todd-kohlhepps-gun-buyer-sentenced-to-more-than-seven-years-in-prison/10177750007/}} Lawson served his sentence at Butner Medium I FCI. He was released on November 13, 2023.{{cite web | title=Federal Inmates By Name |publisher=Federal Bureau of Prisons| url=https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results}} Search for Dustan Lawson.