Todd Kohlhepp
Serial Killer and Rapist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Spartanburg County, South Carolina
TIME PERIOD
2003-2016
VICTIMS
7 confirmed
Todd Christopher Kohlhepp, an American serial killer, was apprehended on November 3, 2016, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where he is linked to the murders of seven individuals between 2003 and 2016, alongside multiple counts of kidnapping and sexual assault. The crimes occurred at various locations throughout Spartanburg, with the most notable incident being the 2003 murder of four people at a motorcycle shop. Kohlhepp also confessed to additional murders, claiming a total of 90 victims, though these claims remain unverified. He is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. Significant evidence includes the discovery of multiple bodies on his property, along with his own confessions and the recovery of various weapons used in the crimes.
Investigators and the public speculate that Todd Kohlhepp may have committed more murders than the seven he has been convicted of, as he claims to have killed many more individuals. There is also a belief that his violent tendencies were influenced by a troubled childhood and unhealthy family dynamics, particularly his relationship with his stepfather. Additionally, some theorize that his background as a realtor provided him with the means and opportunity to commit his crimes undetected.
The Twisted Path of Todd Kohlhepp: From Troubled Youth to Serial Killer
Early Life
Todd Christopher Kohlhepp, born as Todd Christopher Sampsell on March 7, 1971, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, would become one of America's most notorious serial killers. His early life was marked by turmoil and aggression. After his parents divorced when he was just two, Todd was raised by his mother in South Carolina and Georgia. His mother remarried a year later, but Kohlhepp's relationship with his stepfather was fraught with tension. Psychological reports later revealed that Todd longed to live with his biological father, whom he hadn't seen in eight years.
As a child, Todd's behavior was troubling. In nursery school, he exhibited aggressive tendencies, destroying classmates' property. By age nine, he was undergoing counseling and was described as "explosive" and "preoccupied with sexual content." His cruelty extended to animals; he shot a dog with a BB gun and killed a goldfish with bleach. His father later remarked that anger seemed to be the only emotion Todd could express.
In 1983, after his mother and stepfather separated, Todd was sent to live with his biological father in Arizona. There, he adopted his father's surname and picked up his hobbies, including collecting weapons and making bombs. However, their relationship deteriorated due to his father’s frequent absences and romantic pursuits, leaving Todd feeling abandoned once more.
The 1987 Kidnapping Conviction
On November 25, 1986, at just 15 years old, Todd committed a heinous crime. He kidnapped 14-year-old Kristie Granado in Tempe, Arizona. Armed with a .22-caliber revolver, he took her to his home, tied her up, gagged her, and raped her. He then escorted her back home, threatening to kill her family if she reported the assault. Arrested and charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, and a dangerous crime against children, Todd pleaded guilty to kidnapping in 1987, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence and a lifetime as a registered sex offender.
Court records painted a grim picture of Todd's psyche. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, he showcased an IQ of 118, indicating high intelligence despite his behavioral issues. The judge in his case noted Todd's potential for academic success but deemed him "behaviorally and emotionally dangerous" and unlikely to be rehabilitated. His probation officer echoed these concerns, describing Todd as someone who felt the world owed him something. During his incarceration, Todd initially displayed violent tendencies, but after turning 20, his record showed no further disobedience.
Life After Release
In August 2001, Todd Kohlhepp was released from prison after serving 14 years. He moved to South Carolina to be near his mother. While incarcerated, he had earned a computer science degree from Central Arizona College. In South Carolina, he began working as a graphic designer in Spartanburg and later pursued further education, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Despite his status as a registered sex offender, Todd managed to obtain a real estate license by falsifying his application. He founded a successful real estate firm employing a dozen agents, gaining recognition as a top-selling agent in the Carolina region. He even earned a private pilot license and invested in properties outside the state. In May 2014, Todd purchased nearly 100 acres of land, fencing it at great expense.
Todd's interactions with others were mixed. While some described him as outgoing and professional, others found him condescending and obsessed with firearms. Employees at a local Waffle House were so disturbed by his behavior that a male cook took over his orders to protect the waitresses.
The Murders
The dark side of Todd Kohlhepp emerged on November 6, 2003, when a gruesome scene was discovered at Superbike Motorsports in Chesnee, South Carolina. Four people were shot dead: owner Scott Ponder, service manager Brian Lucas, mechanic Chris Sherbert, and bookkeeper Beverly Guy, Ponder's mother. Investigators initially believed the killer entered from the back, killing Sherbert first, then Guy, Lucas, and finally Ponder in the parking lot. Eighteen shell casings from a 9mm gun were found, but no immediate suspect was identified.
Years later, Todd Kohlhepp confessed to the murders, revealing details unknown to the public. He was a disgruntled customer who felt mocked by the shop employees.
On August 31, 2016, another chilling incident occurred. Kala Brown, 30, and her boyfriend Charles David Carver, 32, vanished while working on Kohlhepp's property. Carver’s disturbing Facebook posts after their disappearance suggested someone else had taken over his account. On November 3, 2016, police found Brown chained inside a metal storage container on Todd's property. She revealed that Todd had shot Carver and that she had been repeatedly raped during her captivity.
Further investigation uncovered the bodies of Johnny Joe Coxie and Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie, who had also been hired by Todd. The couple had been missing since December 2015. Johnny was killed by a gunshot to the torso, while Meagan died from a shot to the head, both identified through their tattoos.
Arrest and Confession
Todd Kohlhepp's arrest followed the rescue of Kala Brown. He confessed to the murders in exchange for being allowed to speak with his mother and make arrangements for a friend's child's college fund. During interrogation, Todd disclosed details of the Chesnee shootings that had not been public, and a search of his property revealed an arsenal of weapons obtained illegally.
His online activity also drew attention. Todd had left darkly humorous reviews on Amazon for items like padlocks and shovels, hinting at his sinister activities. Despite confessing to numerous murders, Todd's claims of additional victims have yet to be substantiated, though investigations in Arizona and South Carolina continue.
Legal Proceedings
Charged with multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, and criminal sexual assault, Todd Kohlhepp faced the prospect of the death penalty. However, on May 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to seven murders, two kidnappings, and sexual assault, receiving seven consecutive life sentences without parole in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty. Despite this, Todd continues to hint at other undiscovered victims, though he has not provided further details.
Currently, Todd Kohlhepp resides in Broad River Correctional Institution. In August 2020, some of his belongings were auctioned, and the proceeds were donated to his victims' families, a small gesture in the face of his monstrous crimes.
Sources
For a complete account of the Todd Kohlhepp case, please visit the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Kidnapping Conviction
Todd Kohlhepp kidnaps and rapes 14-year-old Kristie Granado.
Released from Prison
Kohlhepp is released after serving 14 years for kidnapping.
Quadruple Murder
Kohlhepp murders four people at Superbike Motorsports.
Disappearance of Brown and Carver
Kala Brown and Charles David Carver go missing after visiting Kohlhepp's property.
Brown Rescued
Kala Brown is found chained inside a container on Kohlhepp's property.
Bodies Discovered
Two bodies are found on Kohlhepp's property, identified as the Coxies.
Additional Murder Charges
Kohlhepp is charged with three additional counts of murder.
Guilty Plea
Kohlhepp pleads guilty to seven counts of murder and is sentenced to life in prison.
Claims More Victims
Kohlhepp claims to have killed more victims beyond those confirmed.
Todd Christopher Kohlhepp, an American serial killer, was apprehended on November 3, 2016, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where he is linked to the murders of seven individuals between 2003 and 2016, alongside multiple counts of kidnapping and sexual assault. The crimes occurred at various locations throughout Spartanburg, with the most notable incident being the 2003 murder of four people at a motorcycle shop. Kohlhepp also confessed to additional murders, claiming a total of 90 victims, though these claims remain unverified. He is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. Significant evidence includes the discovery of multiple bodies on his property, along with his own confessions and the recovery of various weapons used in the crimes.
Investigators and the public speculate that Todd Kohlhepp may have committed more murders than the seven he has been convicted of, as he claims to have killed many more individuals. There is also a belief that his violent tendencies were influenced by a troubled childhood and unhealthy family dynamics, particularly his relationship with his stepfather. Additionally, some theorize that his background as a realtor provided him with the means and opportunity to commit his crimes undetected.
The Twisted Path of Todd Kohlhepp: From Troubled Youth to Serial Killer
Early Life
Todd Christopher Kohlhepp, born as Todd Christopher Sampsell on March 7, 1971, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, would become one of America's most notorious serial killers. His early life was marked by turmoil and aggression. After his parents divorced when he was just two, Todd was raised by his mother in South Carolina and Georgia. His mother remarried a year later, but Kohlhepp's relationship with his stepfather was fraught with tension. Psychological reports later revealed that Todd longed to live with his biological father, whom he hadn't seen in eight years.
As a child, Todd's behavior was troubling. In nursery school, he exhibited aggressive tendencies, destroying classmates' property. By age nine, he was undergoing counseling and was described as "explosive" and "preoccupied with sexual content." His cruelty extended to animals; he shot a dog with a BB gun and killed a goldfish with bleach. His father later remarked that anger seemed to be the only emotion Todd could express.
In 1983, after his mother and stepfather separated, Todd was sent to live with his biological father in Arizona. There, he adopted his father's surname and picked up his hobbies, including collecting weapons and making bombs. However, their relationship deteriorated due to his father’s frequent absences and romantic pursuits, leaving Todd feeling abandoned once more.
The 1987 Kidnapping Conviction
On November 25, 1986, at just 15 years old, Todd committed a heinous crime. He kidnapped 14-year-old Kristie Granado in Tempe, Arizona. Armed with a .22-caliber revolver, he took her to his home, tied her up, gagged her, and raped her. He then escorted her back home, threatening to kill her family if she reported the assault. Arrested and charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, and a dangerous crime against children, Todd pleaded guilty to kidnapping in 1987, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence and a lifetime as a registered sex offender.
Court records painted a grim picture of Todd's psyche. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, he showcased an IQ of 118, indicating high intelligence despite his behavioral issues. The judge in his case noted Todd's potential for academic success but deemed him "behaviorally and emotionally dangerous" and unlikely to be rehabilitated. His probation officer echoed these concerns, describing Todd as someone who felt the world owed him something. During his incarceration, Todd initially displayed violent tendencies, but after turning 20, his record showed no further disobedience.
Life After Release
In August 2001, Todd Kohlhepp was released from prison after serving 14 years. He moved to South Carolina to be near his mother. While incarcerated, he had earned a computer science degree from Central Arizona College. In South Carolina, he began working as a graphic designer in Spartanburg and later pursued further education, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Despite his status as a registered sex offender, Todd managed to obtain a real estate license by falsifying his application. He founded a successful real estate firm employing a dozen agents, gaining recognition as a top-selling agent in the Carolina region. He even earned a private pilot license and invested in properties outside the state. In May 2014, Todd purchased nearly 100 acres of land, fencing it at great expense.
Todd's interactions with others were mixed. While some described him as outgoing and professional, others found him condescending and obsessed with firearms. Employees at a local Waffle House were so disturbed by his behavior that a male cook took over his orders to protect the waitresses.
The Murders
The dark side of Todd Kohlhepp emerged on November 6, 2003, when a gruesome scene was discovered at Superbike Motorsports in Chesnee, South Carolina. Four people were shot dead: owner Scott Ponder, service manager Brian Lucas, mechanic Chris Sherbert, and bookkeeper Beverly Guy, Ponder's mother. Investigators initially believed the killer entered from the back, killing Sherbert first, then Guy, Lucas, and finally Ponder in the parking lot. Eighteen shell casings from a 9mm gun were found, but no immediate suspect was identified.
Years later, Todd Kohlhepp confessed to the murders, revealing details unknown to the public. He was a disgruntled customer who felt mocked by the shop employees.
On August 31, 2016, another chilling incident occurred. Kala Brown, 30, and her boyfriend Charles David Carver, 32, vanished while working on Kohlhepp's property. Carver’s disturbing Facebook posts after their disappearance suggested someone else had taken over his account. On November 3, 2016, police found Brown chained inside a metal storage container on Todd's property. She revealed that Todd had shot Carver and that she had been repeatedly raped during her captivity.
Further investigation uncovered the bodies of Johnny Joe Coxie and Meagan Leigh McCraw-Coxie, who had also been hired by Todd. The couple had been missing since December 2015. Johnny was killed by a gunshot to the torso, while Meagan died from a shot to the head, both identified through their tattoos.
Arrest and Confession
Todd Kohlhepp's arrest followed the rescue of Kala Brown. He confessed to the murders in exchange for being allowed to speak with his mother and make arrangements for a friend's child's college fund. During interrogation, Todd disclosed details of the Chesnee shootings that had not been public, and a search of his property revealed an arsenal of weapons obtained illegally.
His online activity also drew attention. Todd had left darkly humorous reviews on Amazon for items like padlocks and shovels, hinting at his sinister activities. Despite confessing to numerous murders, Todd's claims of additional victims have yet to be substantiated, though investigations in Arizona and South Carolina continue.
Legal Proceedings
Charged with multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, and criminal sexual assault, Todd Kohlhepp faced the prospect of the death penalty. However, on May 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to seven murders, two kidnappings, and sexual assault, receiving seven consecutive life sentences without parole in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty. Despite this, Todd continues to hint at other undiscovered victims, though he has not provided further details.
Currently, Todd Kohlhepp resides in Broad River Correctional Institution. In August 2020, some of his belongings were auctioned, and the proceeds were donated to his victims' families, a small gesture in the face of his monstrous crimes.
Sources
For a complete account of the Todd Kohlhepp case, please visit the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Kidnapping Conviction
Todd Kohlhepp kidnaps and rapes 14-year-old Kristie Granado.
Released from Prison
Kohlhepp is released after serving 14 years for kidnapping.
Quadruple Murder
Kohlhepp murders four people at Superbike Motorsports.
Disappearance of Brown and Carver
Kala Brown and Charles David Carver go missing after visiting Kohlhepp's property.
Brown Rescued
Kala Brown is found chained inside a container on Kohlhepp's property.
Bodies Discovered
Two bodies are found on Kohlhepp's property, identified as the Coxies.
Additional Murder Charges
Kohlhepp is charged with three additional counts of murder.
Guilty Plea
Kohlhepp pleads guilty to seven counts of murder and is sentenced to life in prison.
Claims More Victims
Kohlhepp claims to have killed more victims beyond those confirmed.