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Reward In Cherokee Co. Slayings Increased

Investigators Say They Are Following Leads

POSTED: 9:06 am EDT July 6, 2009
UPDATED: 2:16 pm EDT July 6, 2009

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said Monday that the reward for information leading to the arrest of the Cherokee County serial killer has been increased to $20,000.

Deputies said that they are following up leads and tips they have received about the Cherokee County serial killer.

Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton appeared on CNN’s "American Morning" on Monday. He said that residents are using caution but life is continuing as normal there.

Investigators have said the same man is responsible for five slayings throughout the county in the past week.

The spree began on June 27 with the death of 63-year-old peach farmer Kline Cash, who was found shot to death by his wife in their home. Then last Wednesday, relatives discovered the bodies of 50-year-old Gena Parker and her mother, 83-year-old Hazel Linder. On Thursday, 48-year-old Stephen Tyler and his 15-year-old daughter, Abby, were shot to death as they were closing the Tyler Home Center near downtown Gaffney.

Both Parker and Linder were laid to rest on Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Gaffney.

Another body was found in Gaffney on Sunday night near the corner of North Petty and East Robinson streets. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said that this person died of natural causes and the death is not connected to the spree of slayings in the county.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are investigating the rash of killings.

Anyone who has information on any of the five killings is asked to call the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Deputies said that anyone wishing to donate to the reward fund can call 864-489-4722, ext. 113 and speak with Leigh Caldwell.


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