YORK COUNTY, SC – A month after a violent Christmas Day home invasion and attack in Hickory Grove, South Carolina, York County Sheriff’s Detectives make three arrests.
Jackie Ray Childers Jr., 38, of York, South Carolina and Virginia D. Ratcliffe, 32, of Harrisburg, Illinois; were arrested in Paducah, Kentucky. Both Childers and Ratcliffe waived extradition and will be brought back to South Carolina at a later date.
In addition, a third subject, Travis Randell Baxter, 29, of Grover, North Carolina was taken into custody in Andrews, South Carolina.
Childers, Ratcliffe, and Baxter were developed as suspects through tips received from citizens.
“It’s been 35 days since this heinous crime and it’s been 35 days of relentless work our Detectives have put in to bring these people we believe are responsible for the attack into custody,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson. “We continue to send our condolences to the family of Sarah Childers for their loss as a result of this Christmas Day attack.”
During the Christmas night attack, the couple, in their 70s, were tied up and viciously beaten. The man’s wife, Sarah, died as a result of her injuries.
WBTV reported: Deputies say a woman knocked on the victims’ door claiming she had car trouble while two armed men hid outside the home. When the 75-year-old answered the door, the trio attacked him and forced their way into the home where they also attacked his wife. A handgun, jewelry, and cash were stolen during the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Secret Service, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Blacksburg Police Department, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, Andrews Police Department, Paducah Police Department, Kentucky; and McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky, assisted in this investigation.
“The cooperation from our federal, state and out of state law enforcement partners was paramount in helping us in this investigation our utmost thanks go out to them,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson.
Baxter is in custody at the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office awaiting transport back to York County.
Childers is being charged with Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Burglary 1st Degree, Possession of Weapon During a Violent Crime, Criminal Conspiracy. Ratcliffe is being charged with Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Conspiracy. Baxter is being charged with Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Burglary 1st Degree, Possession of Weapon During a Violent Crime, Criminal Conspiracy. More charges may be pending.
