YORK COUNTY, SC (YCSO NEWS) – New developments in the triple death investigation from 331 Griggs Road, Clover, SC. On July 31, 2019 Deputies escorting a Department of Social Services representative on a well-being check, discovered three deceased individuals in the home.
Thomas Stephen Gardner, Jr., 45, was found deceased in the home, and through the investigation died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound days prior to the discovery.
During a search of the home two more deceased persons were located. Susan Allred Garner, 74, and Ruth Olivia Allred, 77. Ms. Gardner had died in November of 2015 and Ms. Allred had died approximately six months later, explained through a suicide note left by Thomas Gardner. In the note Mr. Gardner also explains he did not report the deaths out of fear he would be blamed.
York County Coroner Sabrina Gast's autopsy and toxicology report shows the manner of death for Susan Gardner as undetermined. Manner of death for Ruth Allred was natural.
York County Detectives have no indication of foul play in the deaths of Ruth Allred or Susan Gardner. However, it is believed Thomas Gardner wrapped the bodies and left them in a room of the home until their discovery on July 31st. Detectives believe Thomas Gardner failed to report the deaths as to continue to benefit financially from government benefits.
This case is administratively closed and no charges are filed.