New Charges Against Ex-Deputy Coroner, Conway Woman in Horry County Homicide
In a recent development in Horry County, South Carolina, new charges have been pressed against an ex-deputy coroner and a Conway woman, both previously implicated in the 2020 killing of a local man. Court filings reveal that both Chris Dontell and Meagan Jackson, the mother of the victim’s four children, have now been indicted with additional charges related to the death of Gregory Rice.
Details of the New Charges
The Horry County Clerk of Court’s archives indicate that a grand jury issued new indictments to Dontrel and Jackson in direct relation to Rice’s death. On June 12, Dontell was indicted for accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The indictment alleges that in early October 2020, he, along with Jackson, kidnapped Rice. According to the new indictment, the ex-coroner also assisted Jackson in the killing of Rice.
Jackson, on the other hand, now faces charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping after the grand jury indicted her on June 12. The charges allege that she entered into an agreement with Dontell to kidnap Rice “by any means whatsoever.”
Previous Charges
These latest counts will be an addition to the pair’s prior charges, which include murder. Rice’s body was discovered in November 2020, a month after he was reported missing. His remains were found along the Little Pee Dee River near Pitts Landing off Highway 378 at the Horry/Marion County line.
Impact of the Charges on the Accused
Jackson had been released on bond since March 2022, with the condition of home detention and an order to have no negative interaction with law enforcement. However, court documents reveal a recent violation of these terms. Jackson was arrested in February and remanded into custody, though online records show she has since returned to home detention following this arrest.
Meanwhile, Dontell continues to be jailed for an alleged violation of his bond terms. Whether the two accused will face trial separately or jointly still remains uncertain. According to court officials, scheduling issues recently prompted a delay in Dontell’s trial. The case remains ongoing and further updates are forthcoming, as per the order of Horry County court proceedings.
Further Investigations
The local law enforcement authorities and Horry County court continue their pursuit of justice in this case. As more intricate details about the crime evolve, adding new dimensions to this already complex case, one thing remains constant – the committed pursuit of justice for the victim and his family. HERE News will keep its readers updated as more information becomes available. All the details reported are based on official court records to ensure the accuracy and reliability of information.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
