Greenville County Coroner's Office

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Greenville County Coroner's Office!

📣Coroner's Office Spotlight Series: Celebrating Senior Deputy Coroner Jen Cason📣

Week 3: Unveiling the Talented and Compassionate Jennifer Cason

In our Coroner's Office Spotlight Series, we're thrilled to highlight the incredible journey and contributions of Senior Deputy Coroner Jennifer Cason. With a rich background in public service and an array of skills, Jennifer has become an invaluable asset to the Greenville County Coroner's Office.

From Volunteer Firefighter to Senior Deputy Coroner:
Jennifer's public service career ignited in 2000 when she became a volunteer firefighter. She then transitioned to Greenville County EMS as a dispatcher in 2002 and obtained her Paramedic Certification in 2004. Her journey continued as a paramedic until 2007 when she took on the role of a paramedic at the Greenville County Detention Center. In 2017, she found her calling as a Deputy Coroner for the Greenville County Coroner's Office. Jen is passionate about helping families through difficult and painful challenges while dedicating herself in being a top-notch investigator and leader.

Growth and Achievement: ABMDI Certification and Promotion
Dedicated to continuous improvement, Jennifer earned her ABMDI certification in October 2019, showcasing her commitment to excellence. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, and in 2020, she was rightfully promoted to the position of Senior Deputy Coroner.

Nurturing Compassion: Overseeing Child Fatality Cases
Jennifer plays a pivotal role in our office, overseeing all child fatality cases. Her collaboration with SLED in monthly child fatality review board meetings reflects her commitment to preventing child deaths and finding ways to enhance child safety.

Taking Investigations to New Heights: Certified Drone Pilot
As one of the three certified drone pilots in our office, Jennifer brings new perspectives to our investigative process. Drones are now a crucial part of our scene documentation, aiding in more comprehensive investigations and assisting other county agencies when needed.

Innovative: Digital Online Reporting System
Jennifer played one of the key roles in establishing a new digital online reporting system, revolutionizing our investigative reporting methods. Her forward-thinking approach has enhanced our efficiency and effectiveness.

Spreading Joy Beyond Office Walls:
Away from the office, Jennifer embodies the spirit of giving. Coordinating the adoption of less fortunate families for Christmas and assisting local food banks, she extends her compassion and generosity to the broader community.

Laughter Amidst Challenges: The Heart of the Office
Jennifer's comedic nature and fun-loving personality provide a source of laughter and stress relief in the sometimes challenging world of our office. Her positive spirit contributes to the cohesive and supportive environment we value.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating Senior Deputy Coroner Jennifer Cason, whose multifaceted contributions and warm-hearted nature make her an integral part of our Coroner's Office family.

Stay tuned after the upcoming holiday as we continue to showcase the remarkable individuals who shape our team.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Cpl. Watts, his family, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, and all that have been effected. To the Watts family, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, and all others, please know that our family stands beside you and are here to assist in any way we can. Let's do all we can to help this family.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and The Greenville County Coroner's Office would like to remind you that early detection and treatment is critical for this terrible disease.

On this Veterans Day, we express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation, defending our freedom and securing our communities. To every veteran, your dedication and valor inspire us.

From historic battles to current missions, your sacrifices have left an indelible mark. To our local veterans, your commitment to our community is appreciated.

To the families who've supported their loved ones, we thank you for your sacrifice.

To those currently in uniform, stationed far from home, your dedication ensures our nation's safety.

May we never forget the stories, triumphs, and challenges faced by our veterans. Together, let's reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have served.

To all veterans, past and present, we salute you. Your service is etched in our nation's fabric, and your legacy endures through the freedoms you've safeguarded.

Coroner's Office Spotlight Series: Saluting Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis.

Week 2: Our Chief Deputy Coroner and His Distinguished Career.

In our ongoing Coroner's Office Spotlight Series, we turn our attention to an unsung hero of our office, Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis. Fondly known as "Chief" around here, Mike's dedication and contributions have played a pivotal role in making the Greenville County Coroner's Office one of the most progressive and advanced in South Carolina.

Mike's journey with our office began in 1991 when he started as a volunteer. His commitment and passion for this work were evident, and by 1996, he was brought on as a full-time medicolegal death investigator. Mike has taken lead on thousands of death investigations over his many years of service and possesses an extraordinary amount of experience and knowledge.

Promotion to Chief Deputy:
In 1999, Mike was promoted to Chief Deputy Coroner, a role he continues to excel in today. On many occasions throughout his tenure, he's taken on the duties and responsibilities of the Elected Coroner, ensuring that the highest standards of care and diligence are upheld.

American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators:
Mike's dedication to his profession and the community is exemplified by his certification as the 257th death investigator to become ABMDI certified. Furthermore, he was honored as one of the very few in the entire country to proctor or give the ABMDI exam on both the diplomat and fellow level!

Shaping the Future of Coroners all across SC:
Mike's influence extends beyond our office. He served as the training director for the South Carolina Coroners Association for four years, contributing to the growth and development of current and future medicolegal death investigators in the field. His role as an approved instructor throughout the state, including with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and Firefighters Association, showcases his commitment to education and the pursuit of excellence.

A Trusted Speaker and Book Consultant:
Mike has been invited to deliver lectures at over a dozen various agencies throughout the state. His insights and knowledge have been invaluable to many seeking to improve their own practices. Furthermore, he has consulted on several popular books which include:

Nolle Prosequi – By Christy R. Diachenko
Stop the Killing and Thou Shalt Not Kill – By Hilda McMahand
Remembering Sam Simmons: A Community Sheriff – By Mona Simmons, MPA

Aiding in High-Profile Cases:
Mike's expertise and professionalism extend far beyond our county. He has assisted numerous Coroner's offices throughout the state with multiple high-profile cases, including the heartbreaking 2007 investigation into the tragic loss of the 9 Charleston Firefighters in the Sofa Super Store fire.

Awards and Accolades:
Mike's contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2007, he became the first recipient of The Sue Townsend Commitment to Excellence award. He was named the South Carolina Deputy Coroner of the Year in 2015, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his profession. Most recently, he received the Sharing Hope Innovation Award in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator and leader in our field.

These are only a handful of “Chief’s” accomplishments over his many years of service.

Join us in saluting Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis, whose dedication and tireless efforts have helped build a Coroner's Office that we can all be proud of. Stay tuned as we continue to shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who make up our team.

Our Chief Deputy Coroner, Mike Ellis, helps to explain the importance of wearing your seatbelt.

Can seatbelts really save lives? We've heard it all before: "Buckle up." "Click it or ticket." "Fasten your seatbelts." But do seatbelts actually save lives?

Phenomenal work Mauldin Police Department!

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨: The Mauldin Police Department has arrested Darren Kyle Baer, 51, address unknown, in connection with a double homicide on Ashby Park Lane earlier this week. Baer has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a gun/knife during a violent crime. Baer was apprehended in Easley with assistance from the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and the Pickens County Sheriff's Office (SC).

Background:

On Monday, October 23 at 6:34 p.m., MPD received a call requesting a welfare check at a home on Ashby Park Lane. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found two deceased individuals inside the house.

On Tuesday, the Greenville County Coroner's Office ruled both deaths as homicides. On Thursday, the coroner's office identified the female victim as 69-year-old Janice L. Casey. The male victim has not yet been identified pending notification of next of kin.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Coroner's Office Spotlight Series: Celebrating Parks Evans

Week 1: A Glimpse into the Storied Career of Our Elected Coroner

Welcome to the first installment of our Coroner's Office Spotlight Series! Over the next several weeks, we'll be shining a well-deserved light on the dedicated individuals who make up our exceptional team.

Meet the Man of the Hour: Parks Evans

We kick off this series by celebrating our esteemed Elected Coroner, Parks Evans. With an illustrious career spanning 37 years, Parks has truly been a pillar of strength and integrity within our office. As some of you may already know, Coroner Evans is serving his last term in office and will be enjoying his well-deserved retirement.

From Deputy Sheriff to Elected Coroner

Parks began his journey as a Sheriff's Deputy with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office in 1982, serving our community with distinction. In 1987, he transitioned to the Greenville County Coroner's Office as an investigator, setting the stage for a remarkable career dedicated to public service.

A Champion of the People

Appointed as Coroner in 1991 and subsequently elected in 1992, Parks has faithfully served as our Elected Coroner ever since. He has consistently represented the trust and expectations of Greenville County residents, ensuring that justice and compassion are at the heart of every investigation.

Driving Progress and Growth

Parks has been instrumental in expanding our agency from having just two full-time deputy coroners to a robust team of 18 investigators. This growth is a testament to his commitment to enhancing our office and efficiently serving our community.

Embracing Technology for Enhanced Investigations

He has championed the implementation of cutting-edge technology, from digital reporting systems to advanced equipment and seamless integration with other agencies. These technological advancements have significantly improved our ability to gather vital information for thorough and complete death investigations.

National Accreditation: A Symbol of Excellence

Parks's tireless efforts ensured that the Greenville County Coroner's Office achieved national accreditation, a testament to the high standards and dedication to excellence that he has consistently upheld.

Pioneering Drug Education and Prevention

His visionary leadership expanded drug education and prevention efforts in our community, preventing countless drug-related tragedies and saving lives. His contributions to this vital cause have been truly commendable.

Championing Tissue, Bone, and Organ Procurement

Parks initiated efforts to make tissue, bone, and organ procurement a top priority. His dedication to fostering cooperation and access between our office and organ donation organizations has been instrumental in saving lives.

Coroner of the Year 2017: A Well-Deserved Honor

In 2017, Parks was awarded the prestigious title of Coroner of the Year, a recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to our field.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of Coroner Parks Evans as we commence this Spotlight Series.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we continue to honor the exceptional individuals who make our Coroner's Office a vital part of the Greenville County community.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mackey Mortuary for their gracious invitation to a catered breakfast and an insightful tour of their Century Drive location yesterday morning. This gesture was simply an appreciation to the exceptional working relationship we've cultivated over the years.

At the Greenville County Coroner's Office, we maintain close partnerships with all mortuaries in our community to ensure the utmost respect and dignity in handling the final disposition of the deceased and supporting their grieving families. Mackey Mortuary, just as many others in Greenville, exemplifies the high standard of service that our community relies on, and we are truly honored to share such a strong and professional relationship with them. Thank you, Mackey, for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

We are honored to have been a part of this amazing training opportunity and work alongside some of the best agencies in the state of South Carolina. Training and preparation is key for success and we appreciate every opportunity to become stronger and better at what we do.

To foster stronger connections with the Greenville County community and illuminate the mission, services, and people behind our agency, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new weekly series. This series will shine a spotlight on our devoted investigators and staff members, offering valuable insights into the myriad ways the Greenville County Coroner's Office contributes to our community's well-being, while also celebrating the outstanding tenure of our elected coroner. Over the years, he has not only fulfilled his obligations but also consistently exceeded expectations in his commitment to serving the community. Stay tuned!

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some great news with you. The Greenville County Coroner's Office is currently looking to fill an open Deputy Coroner Position, and it could be an amazing opportunity for someone passionate about medicolegal death investigation and serving our community.

As a Deputy Coroner, you'll play a crucial role in helping determine the cause and manner of death in our county. The position requires compassion, strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in challenging situations.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining a dedicated team committed to public service, please check out the job listing attached.

Feel free to share with anyone who might be a great fit for the role. We are looking for a dedicated individual who wants to make a difference in our community.

selfservice.greenvillecounty.org

Come on out and visit the Fountain Inn Fire Department today, they have a lot of activities and demonstrations going on. Your Greenville County Coroner's Office is on site with our partners at the Phoenix Center Prevention with mobile substance abuse education unit as well!

Congratulations to Michelle Bright for obtaining her certification for the successful completion of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) examination! This certification signifies her proficiency in the national standard of practice necessary to properly conduct a competent, thorough Medicolegal Death investigation.

Michelle has been with our agency for several years and is an experienced, dedicated Medicolegal Death Investigator. In addition to this certification, Michelle also has an Associates in Health Science with a major in Medical Assisting. She was previously a certified medical assistant for 12 years and also a licensed private investigator. Congratulations Michelle! We are all very proud of you!

🎗️🌸 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🌸🎗️

Dear Greenville County Community,

The Greenville County Coroner's Office is proud to join the fight against breast cancer by raising awareness during this important month. Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and early detection is key to improving outcomes and saving lives.

Here are some important facts and resources to help you stay informed:

Early Detection Saves Lives: Regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms are crucial for detecting breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Know Your Risk: It's essential to understand your risk factors for breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and any concerns you may have.

Support Those Affected: Breast cancer affects not only individuals diagnosed but also their families and friends. Offer your support and encouragement to those going through this challenging journey.

Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest information on breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment by following reputable organizations like the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.

Pink Out for a Cause: Wear pink this month to show your support for those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness in our community.

We encourage everyone in Greenville County to take this opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, prioritize regular check-ups, and support those facing this disease. Let's come together as a community to promote early detection and support for breast cancer survivors.



Remember, together we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Stay informed, stay healthy, and let's work towards a world without breast cancer. 💗🌟

Gotta give a shout out to our admin staff who tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep this place running. These 2 are great at what they do and are an essential part of our team. Give a big thank you to Perrin and Heather for all they do, most of which typically goes unseen. Thank you ladies!

One of the many ways the Greenville County Coroner's Office engages with the community is providing education and insight into the inner workings of what we do. This provides an opportunity for greater public awareness and a chance for our youth to consider new career opportunities. Deputy Coroner's Wright and MaHaffey recently visited Blue Ridge High School for a career day, which was a huge success.

Please share. Unsafe sleeping conditions contribute to the majority of infant deaths in Greenville County. The number of these tragedies can be easily reduced through education on safe sleeping practices.

Help us show our followers what a safe sleep environment for baby looks like! Take a picture of your baby practicing the ABCs of safe sleep and submit it to DHEC's “Safe Sleep, Every Sleep” Photo Contest using this link: https://scdhec.gov/SafeSleep2023

You could win a $20 Amazon gift card. Five (5) winners will be randomly selected from submissions.

Our prayers and deepest condolences are with the family of Deputy Jacob Eric Salrin and the Richland County Sheriff's Department.

Our deepest condolences are with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - SLED for the tragic loss of K-9 RICO.

Rico was killed in the line-of-duty in Charleston County on September 28th in an attempt to apprehend an armed suspect who had previously shot 3 people, one of which was an officer. He is a true hero and there is no doubt he will be truly missed.

Our prayers are with his partner, Special Agent Richard Hunton III, his family, and his brothers and sisters in blue.

Join us and other local law enforcement agencies this Saturday, September 30th, for Missing and Unidentified Persons Day! If you have a loved one who's missing or would like information on how to prevent a loved one from going missing, then this event is for you. Bring your family AND your children. See the attached flyer for more details. We hope to see you there!

Please join us in officially welcoming our newest Deputy Coroners, Brent Stephens (middle) and O'Bryant Harris (Right), as they were officially sworn in this morning. Brent and OB bring a vast amount of medical experience and knowledge from their many years of serving Greenville County as nationally certified Paramedics. Brent also holds a Bachelor's degree in nursing and is a registered nurse while OB holds an associates degree in applied science with a major in Emergency Medical Technology. We are excited to have Brent and OB as they will be of tremendous value to our team.

Congratulations to Terra McAbee for obtaining her certification for the successful completion of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) examination! This certification signifies her proficiency in the national standard of practice necessary to properly conduct a competent, thorough Medicolegal Death investigation.

This certification only adds to the vast amount of experience and knowledge that Terra brings to our agency. With a background in law enforcement, fire service and several years as a Deputy Coroner, Terra is dedicated to serving her community and is a valuable member of our team. Good job Terra!

🚨ROBBERY AND DEBIT CARD FRAUD **ARREST MADE** 🚨

(GREENVILLE, SC) - Investigators with the GCSO have arrested 31-year-old Trevious Bernard Jackson in connection with two incidents involving the robbery, theft, and fraudulent usage of financial transaction cards.

Investigators initiated an investigation on July 22nd after Jackson reportedly approached a lady outside walking her dog and forced her inside her apartment using a gun. Once inside, Jackson stole her debit card and assaulted her. Investigators learned that Jackson drove to a local bank where he stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim’s bank account.

During that investigation, investigators received a report on September 12th of a deceased female inside an apartment at 5101 Knights Spur Ct. in Simpsonville. Upon further investigation, investigators learned that multiple attempts to use the decedent’s bank card had been made starting September 10th. Two successful and fraudulent transactions occurred on September 11th and 12th, respectively. When investigators looked further into the fraud, they discovered Jackson on video surveillance using the card to withdraw money from the Wells Fargo bank located at 6011 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Investigators are still looking into how Jackson first came in contact with the victim and her cause of death, pending the joint investigation with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

Jackson was arrested on September 15th following a traffic stop in Spartanburg County and is currently in the Greenville County Detention Center facing the following charges:
• 2 counts of 1st degree Burglary
• 2 counts of Financial Transaction Card Theft
• 2 counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud
• Armed Robbery
• Kidnapping
• 1st degree Assault
• Petit Larceny
• Pointing and Presenting a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Investigators request that anyone with information regarding these cases call Crime Stoppers of Greenville at 864-23-CRIME.

It's Official! The Greenville County Coroner's Office has moved locations and our phone numbers have changed. Please see our updated information listed below:

715 Grove Rd. Greenville SC, 29605
Office Phone: (864) 467-8945
Office Fax: (864) 467-8877
Email: [email protected]

Our new location is situated on the main campus of Prisma Health GMH. Take Note; if using GPS Navigation on an iPhone, do not use Apple Maps, as it will not bring you to the correct location. However, GOOGLE Maps IS accurate and will bring you straight into our parking lot. We are also in the process of updating the primary internet search engines with our new information as well.

Lastly, the Medical Examiner's Office is no longer housed in the same building as the Coroner's Office. Please contact our office if you need the updated information for the Medical Examiners.

Congratulations to Mallory Cameron for obtaining her certification for the successful completion of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) examination! This certification signifies her proficiency in the national standard of practice necessary to properly conduct a competent, thorough Medicolegal Death investigation. Mallory holds many other certifications as well and brings a wealth of knowledge and integrity to our office. Good job Mallory!

Big shout out and congratulations to Senior Deputy Coroner Shelton England for being awarded the Herman's Hope ECHO Member of the year award! The Empowering Communities for Healthy Outcomes Coalition (ECHO) was established in 2015 as a means to focus on prescription and opioid drug misuse/abuse.

As a dedicated member of a group comprising 40 community leaders committed to providing our communities with solutions and resources aimed at reducing the accessibility and availability of these substances, Shelton stands at the helm of the Drug Prevention and Education unit within the Greenville County Coroner's Office. The impact of this specialized unit has been palpable throughout the community and serves as a critical tool in this commendable initiative.

His recognition with this award serves as a testament to his resolute commitment and unwavering efforts in educating our community about the inherent dangers and adverse repercussions associated with opioid misuse and abuse.

Congratulations Shelton!

"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." — Sandy Dahl (wife of pilot of Flight 93 Jason Dahl)

May we never forget the thousands of innocent lives needlessly lost on this tragic day.