CASE NUMBER NCIC AGENCY D. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT SC0020000 08 051584 E3 fihgfignni. 1: ADDITIONAL STOLEN Page 1 of 3 Pages MODIFIES CASE STATUS El ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL CHANGE orranoens nacovenso PROPERTY Incidem Type Murder Date: 09-15-03 Time 1025 Victinfs Name Tucker, Frederick SnbiectNa1ne= Miller, Antonio Cummings, Melvin I Redfield, Marquise Grooms, Ronald Investigation disclosed that on the moming of September 15, 2008, Ebony Williamson heard shots coming from the victim's house. Mrs. Williamson looked outside and observed 3 subjects believed to be dressed all in black run out the victim's back door. Mrs. Williamson's boyfriend Deshantil Wigfall, and her cousin, Marion Dunbar, went to the victim's house and discovered the victim bound with duct tape, a cable, and covered in blood. EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased. An autopsy revealed the victim had been burned multiple times and had died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the chest. - . - During the early hours of the Investigation the name Melvin Cummings surfaced. While at the crime scene Lt. Fleury received information from the Richland County Sheriffs Office that they were out at 5520 North Main Street in Columbia, SC. with Cummings and 2 other BM's who were identified as Miller and Redfield. RCSD arrested Miller, Cummings and Redfield. The subjects were wearing black clothing. RCSD recovered a large sum of cash, a large amount of crack, 5 handguns, one a 40 caliber and one a 9mm, clothing and a pair of shoes that matched foot wear impressions from the crime scene. Blood was visible on the shoes. Several 40 caliber casings and one 9mm casing had been recovered from the crime scene. RCSD also recovered the green Ford Taurus the subjects had been driving. RCSD provided GPS records that placed that vehicle in very close proximity to the victim's residence at 0618hrs and 0620hrs, in close proximity to Cummings mothefs residence at O932hrs and back in very close proximity to the victim's residence at the time of the murder. Cummings and Redfield were interviewed. Miller refused to cooperate. Cummings and Redfield confessed to their involvement and that of Miller and ms in the robbery and murder of the victim. Grooms later turned himself in and confessed to his involvement and that of ier, Redfield and Cummings. After his interview Grooms requested another interview stating that he had withheld "formation and that he had witnessed more than he had reported and had been more involved than he had reported. The GPS records provided by RCSD corroborated Cumrning's statement that the robbery had been pre--planned. According to Cummings statement they had gone to the victim's house (parked in thecemetery) early on the morning of the 15"' that they had then left and gone to Cummings mother's house on Greg Avenue and then returned to the victirn's, at which time the victim was robbed and killed. Curnrning's statement that the robbery was preplanned was further corroborated by Redfield's statement that Miller had brought duct tape with him to bind the victim. The investigation disclosed that the victim had been beaten, bound, bumed and tortured, robbed of his crack and money and then shot. All subjects have been arrested. closed the case by arrest. 09-15-08, was notified by Lt. Fleury to respond to and meet with him and Inv. Ghent in reference to a possible homicide. arrived at UL and spoke with Lt. Fleury. Inv. Ghant was already on scene. Lt. Fleury advised RIO that a next door neighbor had heard gunshots from the UL and had seen 3 Bids run from the UL. The neighbors had then gone to the Ill. and discovered the victim in his residence covered in blood and bound with duct tape. The victim was deceased. Lt. Fleury advised that the Aiken County Bloodhound Tracking Team was responding. Inv. Lagger obtained a search warrant for the residence. SUBJECT IDENTIFTED suaiacr LOCATED El ADM CLOSED :1 ARRESTED {moan I8 EX-CLEARED UNDER 18 unrounoao ARRESTED 18 oven 13 a over: Reason For Exceptional 'Clearance Offender Death '3 No Prosecution Extradition Denied ljVictirn Declines Cooperation 'juvenile No Custody REPORTING OFFICER DATE UNIT ti APPROVING OFFICER DATE UNIT v. 1.0. Sanders 10.09-08 4681 Followup '(cam No Officer. then met with my. Ghant. He was in the process of speaking with witness and neighbor Ebony liarnson. and my. Ghent spoke with Williamson. She stated at approximately 10:00am or a little alter that she was .ching TV and heard shots coming from the trailer next door (victim's). She stated she saw what appeared to be a BM run out the victim's back door. She stated several seconds later she two more subjects (possibly black males) run out the back door. She stated all of them were wearing all black. They ran into the woods on the left rear of the victim's trailer. She stated she woke up her boyfriend Deshantil Wigfall and Cousin Marion Dunbar. She stated that they went next door and came running back telling her to call 911 and told her about Mr. Tucker. O9-15-O8, spoke with Marion Dunbar. He stated that Mrs. Williamson woke him and Deshantil up telling them about the shots and the guys running out the back door. He stated he and Deshantll went to the front door and started knocking on the door. He stated that he heard Mr. Tucker saying "Help me", "Help me". He stated that they then went to the back door. He stated that the back door was broken open and that there was blood every where. He stated that they saw the victim face down by the front door covered in blood and duct taped. He stated that he attempted to use the victim's phone and then they ran outside next door and called 911. He stated they did not touch anything or the victim. Inv. Ghant took a taped statement from Dunbar. RIO spoke with Mr. Wigfall. He gave the same statement as Mr. Dunbar. Inv. Ghant obtained a written statement from Williamson and Rio obtained a written statement from wigfall. RIO spoke with first responders April Moulton, Cory Teeter and Robert Verbockel and obtained written statements from them. Verbockel stated upon arrival at the IIL that the Deputy needed to clear the residence. He stated that they waited until the Deputy cleared the house. He stated that when he went in he saw blood trails from the kitchen through the living room. He stated that the victim was face down at the front door. He stated he moved a lamp that was next to the victim and a table. He stated that they rolled the victim over on his back to check his Vitals. He stated he cut the duct tape on the victim's feet and Teeter cut the tape on his hands. He stated he checked for a pulse and Teeter checked for pupil response. He stated that the medics then arrived on scene. spoke with Teeter. His statement was consistent with Verbockel's. He added that the victim was bound with duct tape and a cord. Teeter stated that one of the front eyes of the stove was on and he used his gloved hand to cut it off. spoke with April Moulton. Her statement was consistent with Verbockel's and Teeter's. She stated she basically provided support and directed the EMS crew into the back door. Inv. nt spoke with EMS personnel Amy Kirk and McGuire and obtained written statements from them. Both of their ments were consistent with each others and were consistent with what Moulton, Teeter and Verbockel had reported. Inv. Watts Adams andlohnson responded to the and photographed and processed the scene. Inv. Adams also processed footwear impressions. Sled Agents Jeff Parrot and Carl responded to the 1/ to conduct blood spatter examination and analysis. Lt. Fleury advised RIO that a witness located at 235 Old Barnwell Road had reported that a BM had come to her residence and had possibly been asking for a ride. RIO traveled to that address and spoke with the complainant Jamie Williams and obtained a written statement from her. She stated that at approximately 11:00am a BM between 40-50 years of age approached her house as she was leaving out the door to go to work. She stated that he asked her for food. She stated that she told him she was running late and didn't have time to help him. She stated he appeared to be homeless. She stated he was -polite and said thanks and lelt walking up Old Barnwell. examined his shoe tracks. They did not appear to be similar to any at the crime scene. Inv. Adams responded and examined the tracks and confirmed that the tracks were not similar to those at the scene. Lt. Fleury advised that the name of Melvin Cummings had surfaced during the course of the investigation. He stated he had contacted Carroll Baker at the ACEO and had her pull information on Cummings from the database. RIO spoke with Elaine Kimberly McDuffie, the girlfriend of the victim. She agreed to oorne to the ACSO for an interview. met with Mrs. Mcbuffie at the ACSO CID division. She stated she had been with the victim for approximately 18 years. She confirmed that the victim was involved in selling drugs. She stated that on the 15' of each month the victim fasts. She stated he did not eat drink or sell drugs on that day. She stated that on September the victim was upset and told her that someone had taken his stash of drugs (Crack). She stated that he hid his crack in a fake Barbisol can in the burn pile behind the shed on the right rear of their property next to the property line with Ebony Williamson's residence. She stated that Mrs. Williamson had a bunch of people coming and going from her residence all the time and that they're up to no good. She stated that her daughter was home from college recently and had noticed two subjects walking in the back yard. One was a bi-racial male and the other a BM. She stated that her daughter alerted her and she asked the subjects several glee what they were doing in her back yard but they ignored her and they went into Ebony's house. She stated she alerted cker and that he had gone to Ebony's house and knocked on the door, but no one would answer. She stated she knew that sometime after that Tucker had gone back over there and made contact with Ebony and questioned her about the people in his back yard. She stated she believes that someone from next door was involved in his death. She stated that ker had gone to Miami on June 18th, with Leroy Bush to "Buy Cars". They drove Tuckers car. Tucker took $5000.00. stated that shortly after getting there Tucker called her and told her he had been ripped off and shot. She stated that Tucker told her that he had gone to Shark Heads house and had done business with him before. She stated that Tucker told her that Shark Head introduced Tucker to another subject that was at Shark Heads house and that after Shark Head introduced them that Shark Head walked out of the room and the subject pulled a gun. She stated that Tucker told her that the subject told him to get naked and give it up. She stated Tucker told her he struggled with the subject over the gun and had gotten shot. She stated that the police there had responded and spoken with Tucker and Bush and had processed Tuckers vehicle. She stated that Tucker did not tell the poiice the truth about what had happened. She stated the vehicle was then reieased to Bush. She stated that Tucker spent 5 days in the hospital. She stated that Bush is on probation. She stated that Bush drove the car back and made her promise not to say anything and Bush then went back to the Greenville area. She stated that Tucker told her that Bush was in the car the whole time and was not involved in the rip off and was not suspicious of him. She stated that only Tucker had money in the deal and only Tucker lost anything. She stated that she was not suspicious of Bush at all. She stated that Bush told her the same story about what had happened as Tucker had told her when he had called her from Miami after getting shot. McDuffie stated that Tucker kept his money in a fake Ajax or Comet can in the master bathroom. called and passed that information to Lt. Fleury who was still at the crime scene. She stated she had recently looked in the can and only about $200.00 was in it. She stated that Tucker only deals drugs with a couple of people. She stated that he only deals with a BM named Ike Frazier who iives on Kershaw Street and a BM named "Stymie" who lives in the apartments on Kershaw Street, a couple of houses down from Tucker's grandmother who lives at 116 Kershaw. (She thinks Stymie's real name might be Daryl.) She states that Tucker gets crack and sells it to Frazier and Stymie who then seil it to make their money. She stated that a while badt Tucker had a disagreement with a BM named either or Lamont Bradley. She stated that and Lamont are twin brothers. She stated that one of the brothers bought a car from Tucker. She stated the twin came to their house and he and Tucker got into an argument and the twin pulled a gun and shot into the air. She stated that Tucker had called Kim, the wife of the twin, and had spoken to her about it. She stated that Tucker is in the car business with a John Miles. McDuffie stated that Miles and Tucker are real close friends and that she knows that Miles was not involved in this. Miles is Mcfiuffie continued that Tucker used to be in the drug business with Ike Lewis Melvin Cummings. She stated that there had been some friction between those individuals and Tucker because they him money. Since they had not paid him, Tucker would not associate or do business with them anymore. She stated that Lewis owed Tucker $5000.00 and that Cummings owed him between $3000.00 and $5000.00. She stated that Cummings claimed to be a boxer. After the interview retumed to the crime scene. Lt. Fleury advised that he had just received a call from Marcus Brown a narcotics investigator with the Richiand County Sheriff's Office. He stated that Brown was at a location in Columbia and was out with Meivin Cummings and two other BM's. He stated that Brown informed him that they had recovered a iarge amount of cash, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, a 40 caliber and 9mm caliber handguns. He stated that Brown informed him that the vehicle they had been using had been pinged by GPS very close to the crime scene at the time of the murder. He requested that caii Brown. called and spoke with Inv. Brown. He confirmed what Lt. Fleury had told PJO. Brown stated that the suspects were in a green colored Ford Taurus that was a rental car. The car was overdue and the owners had filed a report with the RCSD. The rental company had used the GPS on the vehicle to track and locate the vehicle. Upon retuming to Richland County the rental company had the vehicle remotely shut down and cailed and gave RCSD deputies the location of the vehicle. He stated that RCSD was currentiy at 5520 North Main Street in Columbia with the vehicle and subjects and was in the process of serving a search warrant. Inv. Ghant and Inv. Adams went to 5520 North Main in Columbia. RIO spoke with Inv. Brown. They were in the process of executing search wanants on the residence and the vehicle. He reiterated what he had told by phone. Brown stated that when uniformed deputies had come to the residence they had observed the green Taurus and that Miller was in the green Taurus. He stated that a red Ford Taurus had puiled in at the same time the deputies had arrived. Cummings was driving that vehicle. Brown stated that while deputies were taiking with Cummings Miller had exited the green Taurus and gotten into the drivers seat of the red Taurus. They stated that Miller was acting suspicious and fidgeting around so the deputies had approached the red Taurus. Deputies noticed a gun on the back seat. Cummings told deputies that a friend had left it there but he knew that it was there and deputies then arrested Cummings for that. Brown stated Deputies then discovered a gun undemeath the driver's seat. Cummings stated that Miller must have placed it there. told them the gun was his and was subsequently arrested. Deputies then discovered a large amount of crack and money on Miller. Brown stated that Miller admitted to having had possession of the green Taurus and that he had been driving it for the past oouple of days. Brown stated that Miller's wife had been the one who rented the car and that she was er arrest for Breach of Trust in reference to the vehicle. He stated deputies had oonmcted narcotics and Brown and the RID spoke briefly w'rth Cummings. Cummings stated he had been in Aiken earlier in the green Taurus. Cummings stated that Redfieid was his cousin but had not seen him in quite a while untii he had driven into this residence and saw him there. He stated that he did not know that Redfield would be there. Inv. Ghant then asked him did he know anything about the murder of Tucker. He stated no and started crying. He denied knowing that Tucker had been R10 spoke briefly with Redfield. He stated he had been at home earlier and had been picked up at his residence by a BF named Stephanie Dicks and brought to this location. R10 advised him that knew a Stephanie Dicks and that Dicks was from Aiken County. Redfield confirmed that. RIO stated that was good because Dicks oould verify his story. Redfield then stated oh I was wrong Stephanie did not bring me here my cousin did and then pointed to Cummings. Redfield stated that Cummings had picked him up and brought him here, contradicting what Cummings had said. Inv. Ghant spoke briefly with Milier telling him he wanted to talk with him about the murder earlier in Aiken County. Miller denied knowing anything about any murder and said that there was nothing to tell Ghant. Inv. Adams advised that RCSD had located two pairs of shoes (Jordan's) inside the residence and that the tread pattern matched those at the crime scene. then asked Mrs. Miller if she recognized the shoes. She stated she did not recognize the green and white pair. She stated the black and gold pair was her husbands. RIO asked was she sure and she stated "Yes I'm sure." then asked Milier did he recognize the shoes and he stated He stated that the green and white shoes beionged to a cousin who had left them there a long time back. He stated that the black and gold pair was not his. asked him that if he knew his wife had toid RIO that the black and gold shoes belonged to him, would she be lying. Miller then hollered across the yard at his wife and said "Why did you tell them the shoes were mine" and he appeared angry that she had toid us. Mrs. Miiler confinned that the residence beionged to her and her husband and that no one else resided or paid rent there. RIO obtained a consent to search for the residence for the shoes which was signed by both Miller's. The shoes were coliected by Inv. Adams. While completing an evidence sheet for the shoes observed [what appeared to be blood on the toe area and side of the black and gold pair of shoes and pointed this out to Adams. released the guns to Inv. Adams who placed the guns onto an evidence sheet. Brown provided with the GPS for the green Taurus. The GPS reoords reveaied that the vehicle had been pinged at 0618 and 0620 very close to the victim's residence and again at 1025. Inv. Ghant advised RIO that Redfield had told him that he wished to speak with investigators but requested that he be taken away from the others and talk in private. RCSD had botl1 Taurus' towed to their impound yard. Both of the Miller's along with Cummings and Redfield were transported to the Richland County jaii. Agent Flowers of SLED met with us at that location. Upon arriving at the jail Cummings advised RIO that he wished to speak with investigators. R10 and Inv. Ghant then spoke with Redfield and Agent Flowers advised he would speak with Cummings. W0 and Inv. Ghant obtained a recorded Miranda Rights Waiver from Redfieid and took a taped statement from him. He stated that he, Miller, Milier's friend (Grooms) and Cummings had been together in the green Taurus and had spent last night at Cummings mother's house in Aiken. Redfieid stated that they left this morning at 0430 and went to a BP on Richland across from Wal-Mart. He stated that Miller was talking to Cummings about going to the victim's house to get dope. He stated he only heard parts of the conversation and does not know for sure if they were talking about buying dope or robbing the victim but thinks they were just going there to buy dope. He stated that they smoked a blunt and he did some coke on the way. He stated that Miiler was talking to the victim on the phone about getting some dope. He stated that they drove and stopped at a cemetery near the victim's. He stated that Miller was counting out his money and that he gave Miller a $100.00 bill to buy cocaine for him. He stated that they then pulled into the victim's driveway. He stated it was just beginning to get light. He stated that Milier told him," come on and get your coke." so they got out and they went to the victim's back door. Miller knocked on the victim's door. The victim peeked out the door and was wearing a white tank top. He stated that the victim was angry and said I told you it was nothing man, my folks are here. He stated that Miller then pulled out the revolver with the trigger guard missing. Miller then hit the window and the gun fired. He stated that the victim was hit in the head and was bleeding. He stated that Miller snatched the door open and they went in. The victim ran into the back, into his bedroom. They ran behind the victim and hemmed him up in the bedroom. Milier asked him "where the fuck it's at" The victim started teliing them he did not have anything that it was somewhere eise. He stated Miller hit the victim a couple times with a small biack either 9mm or 380. He 'thought it was a 9. He stated the dip accidentally ejected out of the gun. 'ii. stated that Miller then pulled out the black 40 and hit the victim two more times. He stated that Miiler handed him the 9 and the 40. He stated that Miller had duct tape in his pocket. He stated Miller duct taped the victim. He stated that the victim told them he had $1600.00 hidden in the bathroom. He stated the victim was duct taped behind his back and his feet - duct taped. He stated Miller told him and Grooms if they found anything he was not going to give them anything. ve on, the burner on the right hand side. Miller then used a flathead screwdriver and got it fire hot and Miller started burning the victim on his neck and hip. He stated the victim was in the fetal position on his side and he (Redfield) was starting to leave the house when multiple shots started ringing out. Redfield stated that Cummings came to the back door asking what the fuck was going on. He stated Cummings did not come inside the house he was just on the back porch. He stated that Miller and Grooms then came out of the house. He stated that they ran out the left side of the house to the car. He stated he and Cummings had on the same clothes. He stated Miller and Grooms had changed clothes. He stated Miller had been wearing black jeans and a black t-shirt and black and gold Jordans. He stated Miller and Grooms' t-shirts were in the trunk of the green Taurus. He stated that they dropped Grooms off at Wai-Mart. He stated they had gotten a bag of crack from the victim's house out of the AC vent in the closet. He stated the victim had told them where it was at. He stated that there were a couple of bundles of money in the bag of crack. He stated Miller gave some of the money and crack to the other guy (Grooms). He stated that the drugs they got caught with in Richland County are the same ones taken from the victim. He stated that Miller made him and Grooms shoot at the victim one time each. He stated that he aimed at the victim's hip I buttocks area. He stated he shot with the 40. Agent Flowers obtained a written statement from Cummings. Cummings stated that they cased the place on Friday night. Cummings stated that he, Miller, Grooms and Redfield were together Saturday night and spent the night at his mother's house in Aiken. He stated on Sunday they were sitting around talking about getting some money and who they could get the money from. He stated Tucker was the first name to come up. He stated that other names came up but that Miller and Redfield wanted Tucker. He stated that they talked about how everything was supposed to go. He stated that Redfield and Miller started talking about all the things they were going to do to Tucker. He stated that they left his mother's house in the green Taurus at 0434 to go to the victim's house. He stated that they rode by the house to look. He stated that they then came back to the victim's and let Miller, Redfield and Grooms out and he went and parked in the cemetery and fell asleep. He stated that he woke up and they were coming back to the car and it was starting to get light. He stated he asked them what they wanted to do and they stated come back later. He stated that they went back to his mom's house got there around 0700. He stated that they left his mom's around 0900 and went back to the victim's house. They - a into the driveway and they (Miller, Redfield Grooms) stated that they should go see if Tucker was in the house, to knock on the door and ask how much for the cars. Miller went to the door and opened the screen and knocked. No answer. Miller came back to the car and they rode around some more. They then came back and parked in the yard next to the victim. Miller, Redfield and Grooms went through the bushes to Tucker's. Cummings knocked on the neighbor's door (Jennifer Glover) and made small talk about cars in her yard. Cummings stated while talking to the lady they heard a shot and someone yell. He stated he drove off and then came back went back into the lady's yard to look at the car one more time and he heard more shots. He stated he got into the car and the others came running out of the woods and got into the car and they left. He stated that they all started telling him what they had done to the victim with the tape and screwdriver and guns. He stated that they told him they had taped Tuckers mouth, hands and feet. They told him afiter that that they started burning him with a screwdriver, kicking and beating him with the gun. He stated that Grooms said he shot the back door, did the duct taping and kicked Tucker some. He stated that they drove back to Columbia and went to books- a-million and met his girlfriend. He used her car and went a couple of places and then went to North Main Street where they got arrested. He stated that Miller and Redfield told him they had shot the victim. Inv. Ghant attempted to speak with Miller, however he was not cooperative and provided a written statement stating do not know about a killing in Aiken". Inv Adams obtained a consent to search from Redfield and Cummings and collected their clothing, shoes, photographed them and took Buccal swabs from them. All items were placed into evidence. obtained from RCSD Investigators $1296.00 in a RCSD evidence bag that had been seized by them from Miller. RCSD obtained another search warrant for 5520 N. Main. RCSD Investigators along with R10, Inv Ghant and Johnson searched the residence for evidence (duct tape, screwdriver with negative resutts. 09-16-08, Inv. Lagger and Inv. Watts traveled to Richland County and obtained a search warrant for the red Taurus. They obtained consent to search for the green Taurus from the rental company. They then searched and processed both vehicles. Nothing was collected from the red Taurus. From the green Taurus they collected a air rental receipt, letter, "angle directions, coins, cd's, shopping bag with plant material, cd case, cd wrapper, a black in color long sleeve t-shirt, th brush, car chargers, container of mints, black in color size t-shirt, receipts, plastic bags new jean shorts, a new black, gray and yellow in color t-shirt, pocket knife, cigarette lighter, warranty guide, Richland One flyer and 2 receipts for the Red Rooflnn in the name of Ronald Grooms. Inv. Watts also took swabs from the green Taurus from the steering eel, front passenger side door handle (inside), rear driver and passenger side door handles (inside). Lt. Fleury advised Agent Flowers was working on positively identifying "Ron" from Cummings statement. In Cummings statement he referred to "Ron" and stated there were receipts in the green Taurus with "Ron's" real name on it. (later as Grooms). obtained the following warrants; Antonio Miller, l-l>>873156 Kidnapping, H-873159 Burglary 15', H--873162 Murder, l-l--873165 Armed Robbery, H-873168 Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime. Marquise Redfield H-873155 Kidnapping, H-B73158 Burglary 15', H-873161 Murder, H-873164 Armed Robbery, H--873167 Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime. Melvin Cummings, H-873157 Kidnapping, H-873160 Burglary 15*, H- 873163 Murder, H-873166 Armed Robbery, H-873169 Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime. Inv. Johnson attended the autopsy of the victim in Newbeny. He took photographs and collected nail clippings from the victim. Later, Inv. Johnson and Lt. Fleury obtained an consent to search from Kimberly Mcouffie for the residence at 117 Old Barnwell Road. Inv. Johnson did additional processing of the crime scene. He collected 1 swab from blood from the kitchen floor near the table, 1 from kitchen floor near the refrigerator and doorway, 1 from vent in the weight room and 1 from floor carpet near the front door. He also collected 1 projectile fragment from the kitchen floor, 1 piece of cardboard with 3 pieces of duct tape from unit in closet, 1 pair of back and red in oolor scissors containing blood from floor of kitchen doorway] weight room, 1 Sprint "Sanyo" brand cell phone from the table at the front door, 1 black in color canvas bag containing 1 pair of socks with blood, 1 pen, 1 set of tab markers, three DVD's, and 10 miscellaneous DVD-R's and CD-R's. 09-17-03, Lt. Fleury advised that Agent Flowers had positively identified the suspect known as "Ron" as Ronald Ja'Rod Grooms and that SLED was currently attempting to locate Grooms. obtained the following warrants on Grooms; l-l--873174 Kidnapping, l-l-873173 Burglary 15', l-l--873172 Murder, H-873171 Armed Robbery, H-873170 Possession of a weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime. Lt. Fleury advised he had infomiation that the lady who lives in the ailer next to the block house next to the victim had spoken with one of the suspects and possibly had infonnation. This believed to be the same lady referred to in Cummings statement. 09~18-08, RIO received an evidence sheet from Inv. Johnson documenting that he had taken a swab from a tab from duct tape from the victim's left ankle and a swab from the duct tape from the victim's left arm. O9-23-O8, Rio and my. Ghant went to 103 Old Barnwell Road and spoke with the Elderly BF that lived there. She confirmed that on the morning of the murder a BM had driven into her yard and had spoken with her daughter Jennifer who lives in the trailer next to her. R10 and Inv. Ghant spoke with Jennifer Glover and obtained a written statement from her. She stated that a BM named Melvin had driven into their yard in a green car and engaged her in a conversation about the cars in her yard inquiring about buying one of them. She stated that several times he kept looking over at the victim's trailer causing her to glance over there also. She stated that he pulled out what she believed was a cell phone and she gave him her name and number so he could call her about the car. She stated that as they were talking about the car they started walking over to the car which was parked on the edge of the wooded area on the property line with the victim, near the victim's residence. She stated she then heard 34 shots and as she turned around to carry on the conversation with him he was struggling with his keys and she continued talking and when she turned around again he had already gotten in his car and had driven away. She looked around and she saw him almost at the victim's mailbox and observed the vehicle had begun to slow down. She stated that she believed it was about 10:09 when this occurred. R10 and Inv. Ghant went by the residence of Millie Cummings, the mother of Melvin Cummings and obtained a written statement from her. She confirmed that her son, Miller, Redfield and Grooms had spent the weekend at her residence and had left her residence Monday rooming. Inv. Adams advised that a fingerprint developed on the piece of cardboard collected from the unit in the victim's closet had been identified as that of Johnnie Caldwell, BM DOB 09- 21-43. Inv. Adams provided RIO with records information on Caldwell. received an evidence sheet from Inv. Watts documenting that she had collected 3 strands of hair the blue bandana, 2 swabs from the coaxial cable, 1 piece of torn shoulder strap from the white tank top and had collected 4 swatch's from the light blue/dark bluelwhite shorts, 3 from the light green tank top, 1 from the white tank top, 1 from the beige women's panties and 1 from the white canvas laundry bag. 09-25-08, obtained a written statement from Johnnle Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell does and appliance repairs. stated that he has known the victim for years. He stated that approximately 8 months to a year ago he had worked on the victim's and had placed the cardboard there at time. RIO obtained a search warrant for T-Mobile for phone records for the Alcatei phone obtained from Melvin Cummings that he identified as belonging to him. faxed the search warrant to T-Mobile. RIO obtained and placed into evidence the in-store video from the BP station. 09-26-08, received an evidence sheet from Inv. watts documenting that she had taken swatcifsfsarnples from the black men's size SXL short sleeve shirt and from the men's size XL long sleeve shirt collected from the green Ford Taurus. obtained a search warrant for Buocal swabs from Ronald Grooms. Inv. Johnson collected the swabs. 09-27-08, R10 received a SLED Laboratory Forensic Services request documenting the Inv. Watts had submitted GSR kits from Cummings, Miller, Tucker and Redfieid, swabs from the blinds/backdoor of the victim's residence, swabs from the interior window frame from the victim's residence, magazines, Hi-Point 9mm pistol, unfired rounds, Arminius 38 caliber revolver, shell casings, Lorcin .380 handgun and unknown caliber fired projectiles. These items were submitted for testing such as Trace, DNA analysis, Latent print and Fireann examination. 09-28-08, received a call from Attomey Teresa Johns. She advised she was representing Grooms. She advised that Grooms wished to cooperate and give a statement. She agreed to meet on 09-29-08 at 1500hrs. 09-29-08, Rio and Wertz picked up Grooms from ACDC. Mrs. Johns spoke with Grooms then obtained a written Miranda Rights waiver from him and interviewed him. In his statement he referred to Cummings as "Pug" and did not know Redfield by name. He corroborated Cummings and Redfield's statements in that ali four of them had been together over the weekend and had spent the night at Cummings mother's house in Aiken. He corroborated that they had been in the green Taurus weekend. He corroborated that they had gone to the victim's house earlier and had knocked on his door. He stated that on Monday morning that they all went to the victim's house, and that it was daylight. He stated - it was his understanding that they were going to buy crack from the victim. He stated that Milier was the one who told I was in the front passenger side, he was in the rear driver's side and Redfield was in the rear passenger side. He stated that after leaving Cummings mother's house to go to the victim's that they did not make any stops and that it took about 20-30 minutes to get to the victim's house. He stated that they parked in the victim's driveway and everyone got out and went to the back door. He stated that Miiler toid him to knock on the door so he did. He stated that the window was cracked and when he knocked a piece of the glass feil out. He stated that the victim toid them to come in. He stated the door was unlocked and he (Grooms) opened the door. He stated the victim was only wearing running shorts and no shirt. He stated that the victim carried on a pleasant conversation with them for a few seconds and told them he was going to get there drugs, get them straight. He stated that Miller and the others then pulled guns and Miller told the victim "You know what time it is". He stated that Miiler's gun was black in color. He stated he did not see anything else that he ran outside and got back into the car. He stated that a couple of minutes iater he heard a bunch of shots. He stated that the other three came running out and got into the car. He stated that Miller had a zip lock bag of crack and the victim's driver's iicense and bank cards. He stated that Miller had his gun on the seat. Grooms stated that he had run out the victim's back door and around the left side. He stated that Cummings drove but that they went back a different way than they had come. He stated that all took the same seating positions in the vehicle on the way back as they been on the way there. He stated that Redfield stated his gun was empty and that the slide on Redfield's gun was locked back. He stated that Miller said "Were straight, we did here what we came here to do." Milier also stated "We finally got him." He stated that he believes Cummings used to buy crack from the victim. He stated that Milier wore biack jeans, black shirt and black and gold Jordan's. Redfield was wearing biack ciothing with red Jordan's. Cummings was wearing baggy blue jeans and a black shirt. Grooms stated he was wearing a white or blue in color Duck head shirt and Khaki pants and the same white and tan tennis shoes he had worn to jail. He stated that Milier was using his (Grooms) phone (rat. to make cails. He doesn't know who he cailed but knows he was calling his girifriend. Grooms stated that he (Grooms) called his girlfriend 3). He stated that on the way home they stopped at the Publix and they cashed some coins in and Cummings bought a bottle of Champagne. He stated that mmings met his girifriend and rode in her car with her. He stated he rode with Miiler and Redfield and that they went to i-Mart where his girlfriend works and Miller and Redfieid let him out there. spoke with Mrs. Johns and Grooms and that they were going to buy crack. He stated that they were in the green Taurus and that Cummings was driving, Miller. explained that numerous parts of Grooms statement corroborated Redfield's and Cummings but that the clothing Grooms stated he was wearing, Grooms statement of leaving the scene and going out to the car and several other aspects of his ion contradicted the evidence at the scene and Redfield's and Cummings statements about Grooms presence and cipation. advised it appeared to Rio that Grooms was being deceptive. Mrs. Johns then spoke in private with Grooms. Upon reentering the room Grooms maintained his version. and Mrs. Johns agreed to end the interview at that time without taking a taped statement. Mrs. John's stated that she would meet later with Grooms and speak with him. She stated that she would then call and we would see about getting a taped statement from him. Grooms stated that his phone is in his mother's name Marciaiettia Grooms with Sun Com. R10 was transporting Grooms back to the ACDC when Grooms requested if RIO could call Mrs. Johns bad and take him back to the ACS0 for another interview. Grooms stated that he had not been totally honest and had withheld information. Grooms stated he had witnessed more than he had reported and had been more involved than he had reported. 10-01-08, obtained a search warrant for the ACDC to obtain the tan and white tennis shoes of Grooms. served the warrant on the jail, oollected the shoes and placed them into evidence. obtained an evidence sheet from Inv. Watts documenting that she had collected swatchesisarnple from the Hanes socks of the sock and dried red liquid on the socks, and arrabs from the blades and handles of the scissors. left another message for Mrs. Glover to call about scheduling a time to show her a photo lineup. 10-03-08, Agent Flowers dropped off the foilowing items for The two identical photo lineups were identicai and they oontained the picture of Ronald Grooms. Written on the top of one lineup is the name Marquise Redfield and on top of the other Melvin Cummings. These are the lineups shown to Redfield and Cummings by Agent Flowers in which Redfield and Cummings each identified Grooms as the person with them. Also included were the in-store video from Books-A-Million and a letter from Ronald Grooms when he tumed himself in invoking his right not to talk and requesting an attorney. 10-06-08, received a return call from Mrs. Glover. She stated that she would be on the way to look at the Iieup. Upon her arrival RIO showed Mrs. Glover the photo lineup. She immediately identified picture number #4 as the BM she had spoken with the morning of the murder as described in her statement. Picture 4 is the photograph of Melvin umrnings. received an SLED Laboratory Forensics Service Request documenting that Inv. watts had submitted the following evidence to SLED for DNA Analysis, processing, Latent prints; Buccai swabs from Redfield and Cummings, green and white Jordan Shoes, footwear casts of cast footwear impressions, swabs from kitchen floor near hallway, swab from white canvas laundry bag, swab from interior of trash bag, swab from haliway wall, red and white toothbrush, swab from different locations of the green Taurus, three strands of hair from blue bandana, cuttings from men's light bluefdark shorts, cuttings from the light green girls tank top, cuttings from the white tank top, piece of torn shoulder strap of white tank top. Cuttings from beige panties, swabs from coaxial cable, fingernail clippings from victim, swabs from kitchen floor, swabs from the carpet near the floor vent and from near the front door, swabs from the duct tape from victim, cuttings from men's black size SXL short sleeve shirt, cuttings from men's black XL shirt, cuttings from the Hanes socks, swabs from the scissors, shoe inserts from black and gold Jordan's, swabs from black and gold Jordan's, swabs from black book bag, swab from ink pen, Ronald Grooms Buccal swabs, cuttings from Cummings white t-shirt and black jeans, cuttings from tan white Nike tennis shoes and thread samples (Grooms), cuttings from Redfield's biack t-shirt and black jean shorts and cuttings from black sneakers. 10-09-08, closed the case by arrest. AGENCY I. D. UPPLEMENTARY REPORT CASE NUMBER NCIC SUPPLEMENTAL I: ADDITIONAL REPORT STOLEN PROPERTY Page 1 of 2 Pages CASE STATUS ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL CHANGE 1: OFFENDERS [3 RECOVERED PROPERTY Incident TYPC Murder Dale? O9-15-08 Time 1025 Victim'sNam= Tucker, Frederick Miller, Antonio Cummings, Melvin Redfieid, Marquise Grooms, Ronald 8-051584 received an inmate request form from Melvin Cummings requesting to speak with RIO. RIO advised Lt. Fleury. picked up Cummings from the ACDC and transported him to the ACSO CID Division. obtained a written Miranda rights waiver from him. RIO and inv. tagger and Lt. Fleury spoke with him. He asked some questions about his case. He stated he had heard rumors that his co-defendants might have killed Tucker for Mojo Mays. Cummings stated that Tucker had testified against Mays in a past court case and Mays might have gotten them to kill Tucker. Cummings stated that he had no other proof that it was just rumor and speculation. Cummings stated he had more information to give. He stated he knew what had happened to the gloves Redfield and Grooms had been wearing during the murder and what had happened to the screwdriver and duct tape. He stated that the items had been thrown out of the window and he knew where they were at. Cummings stated he wanted to continue to cooperate and tell what he knew. Lt. Fleury and RIO suggested he speak with his attorney and advise her and he could make a statement. He stated he would do talk with her and tell her he wanted to give us a statement. then left with Cummings to return him to the ACDC. As was pulling up to the gate Cummings stated he did not wish to wait and speak with his attorney. He stated he wanted to give a statement and show where the items were at now. called Lt. Fleury and advised him. Cummings repeated his request to while RIO had Lt. Fieury on the phone. then transported him back to the ACSO. Cummings provided a recorded statement. Lt. Fleury explained Cummings he rights again and Cummings stated understood his rights and wished to continue to waive them and that he wanted to give a statement and show where the were at. This was recorded. Cummings stated that the day before the robbery they had gotten two of the guns used in this case from Cedric Johnson AKA Lil Boo. He stated he got a 9mm and Redfieid got the 40. He stated that Miller also had a 9mm. He stated that the 9mm Miller had looked similar to the 9mm he had gotten except that Miller's had a Laser on it and there was glue or something in front of the trigger guard. He stated that Miller told him that he had had hit Tucker with the gun and the laser had broken off and that there was glue or something like that on the gun from where the laser had been attached to the gun. He stated that after the robbery Miller had the broken laser in his hand saying he had to pick it up at Tucker's that he could not leave it there. Cummings stated that Johnson did not help plan the robbery but knew about it and knew why they were getting the guns. Cummings stated that when they left Tuckers they got to a bushy area near the railroad tracks on Old Barnwell and that Grooms threw the screwdriver used to burn Tucker out the passenger side rear window where Grooms was seated at. He stated the screwdriver was black and yellow in color. He stated that Miller asked Grooms about throwing the screwdriver out of the window because Miller told Grooms that it had Millers fingerprints on it. Cummings stated then drove to the stop sign on Old Barnwell at Hwy 78 and made a right. He stated he drove a short distance down the road and Grooms threw the duct tape and the black gloves he (Grooms) had been wearing out the same window. He stated that Grooms and Redfield had been wearing gloves during the incident. He stated he does not know what happened to Redfield's gloves but knows Grooms threw his (Grooms) gloves and the duct tape out the window. He stated that there were two rolls of duct tape brought to the soene by Grooms to tape Tucker that Grooms job was to tape Tucker up. SUBJECT SUBJECT LOCATED ACTIVE El ADM CLOSED ARRESTED UNDER 18 EX-CLEAREDUNDER18 UNFOUNDED ARRESTED 18 OVER EX-CLEARED 18 OVER Reason For Exceptional Clearance EOffender Death No Prosecution Extradition-Denied ElVidim Declines Cooperation Ijuvmile No Custody REPORTING OFFICER DATE UNIT all APPROJING DATE UNIT ii A I v. 3.D. Sanders 11-05-08 4681 i "Ce" Lg "lie-"1 Follow up Yes-D No Officcr". investigation 11-05-08, Continued, transported Cummings to Old Bamweli road to a bushy area between the church and the railroad tracks pointed out by Cummings. Cummings stated this is where Grooms had thrown the screwdriver out at. searching for a few minutes Inv. Ghant located the screwdriver. Forensics Inv. Sage Watts photographed and stated Grooms had thrown the gloves and duct tape out at. A search of the area proved negative. Cummings stated he knows the gloves and duct tape were thrown out the passenger rear window by Grooms as they were driving and believes the area he pointed out was the area where they were thrown out. He stated he oould not be absolutely certain because nowthatheseesthearea againaiotofitiooksthesarne, stated that as they were driving down 78 after leaving Tucker's l:hat Grooms, Redfield and Miller were telling him what they had done. He stated that Redfield was making comments about him (Redfield) being Lucifer and that Redfield and Miiler each stated that they each had shot Tucker. Cummings stated that Redfield told them that when he shot Tucker he had told Tucker that it was "with regards from Mays". He stated that Grooms was wearing a pair of tennis shoes the same kind/brand as the black and gold one's Miller had been wearing except that he thinks Grooms were blue and white. He stated that Grooms shoes had blood all over them and Grooms had stated he could not go anywhere the blood all over his shoes. R10 then transported Cummings back to the ACDC. ix.) the screwdriver. Cummings then pointed out an area on Hwy 78 approximately 1- 1 1/2 miles down 78 that he' CASE NUMBER NCIC AGENCY I. D. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 08__051584 SUPPLEMENTAL ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL REPORT VICTIMS STOLEN PROPERTY Page 1 Of 1 Pages ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL I: [3 OFFENDERS EESEERETRED Incident Type Murder Date: 09-15-03 Time 1025 Victim'SN3mEUR Tucker, Frederick Subiecmame? Miller, Antonio Cummings, Melvin Redfield, Marquise Grooms, Ronald 12-29-08, received a Forensics Services Laboratory Report from SLED dated 12-17-08, documenting testing done on the pistols, magazines, ammunition, fired and unfired shells and casings, buliets and bullet fragments from the pistols collected from the subjects, residence and vehicles at 5520 North Main Street in Columbia, SC and from evidence collected at the crime soene. UNFOUNDED ARRESTED I8 OVER YES NOE YES NOE SUBJECT FDENTIFIED SUBJECT LOCATED ACTIVE ADM CLOSED El ARRESTED UNDER 18 UNDER 18 EX-CLEARED 13 ovzaa son For Exceptional Clearance Death El No Pmsecution Extradition Denied ljliictim Declines Cooperation Buvenilc No Custody REPORTING OFFICER DATE UNIT 3 APPROV3NG DATE UNIT 3 Inv. J.D. Sanders 12-29-03 4681 I7: T.e~1x.: (BC) %b "Us: 91 0 WW CASE NUMBER NCIC I. D. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT 08-051584 SUPPLEMENTAL ADDITIONAL ADDHIONAL REPORT vicrnvis STOLEN PROPERTY Page 1 of 1 Pages I: MODIFIES CASE srxrus :1 ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL ORIGINAL CHANGE OFFENDERS RECOVERED PROPERTY Incident Type Murder Date: 09-15-03 Time 1325 Vi?tim'5N3m= Tucker, Frederick Milier, Antonio Cummings, Meivin Redfieid, Marquise Grooms, Ronald 02-20--09, met with Inv. M. Brown of the Richland County Sheriff's Office at the ACSO. Inv. Brown provided with a copy of the RCSD case file containing their Incident I Suppiemental reports, arrest reports, one search warrant from the first search at 5520 North Main Street, Chain Of Custody forms for evidence seized at 5520 N. Main and reieased to Inv. Adams, Forensic Reports, Property Reports, Forensic Examination reports, 2 of RCSD Jail phone call recordings of Miller, 1 CD of Crime Scene Photo's for 5520 N. Main, 1 clear plastic bag containing a bag of Cocaine seized from the green Taurus and a bag Marijuana seized from Redfield, a dear plastic bag containing Crack measuring cups recovered from inside 5520 N. main and claimed by Miller, and 1 brown box containing a buliet proof vest seized from 5520 N. Main. Ali items pertain to the arrest of Miiler, Redfield, Cummings and Grooms by the RCSD. Inv. Brown advised that of the recorded phone calls of at the RCSD Jail contain incriminating statements by Milier pertaining to the Murder of Frederick Tucker. UNFOUNDED ARRESTED 13 oven El YES is I El ason For Exceptional Clearance Eloficnder Death El No Prosecution Extradition Denied avimim Declines Cooperation auvmile No Custody EX-CLEARED I8 OVER SUBJECT IDENTIFIED SUBJECT LOCATED ACTIVE ADM CLOSED ARRESTEOUNDER i8 UNDER :3 REPORTING OFFICER DATE ii APPROVING OFFICER DATE UNIT Inv. J.D. Sanders 03-03-09 4681 Foilow up 8 Yes I1 No Officcr'. investigation