Horry County deputy coroner, one other arrested on murder charge
An Horry County deputy coroner and another person face murder charges in connection to the death of a man reported missing.
Gregory Vincent Rice was reported missing on Oct. 5 and was last heard from on Oct. 2, according to Horry County police. Offices used dogs to search and used search warrants to try and find Rice.
Rice was last seen near Flintlake Drive outside of Myrtle Beach.
On Nov. 8, police found a body believed to be Rice. Police have not said where Rice’s remains were found.
Investigators say Christopher Allen Dontell, 37, of Conway, and Meagan Marie Jackson, 35, were identified as suspects in Rice’s disappearance. Police have not detailed how the two people allegedly played a part in Rice’s disappearance or how he was killed.
On Wednesday, police arrested Dontell and Jackson on murder charges. They are being held in J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Bond has not been set in the case, but in murder cases only a circuit court judge can sait bail.
Police say the investigation into Rice’s death continues and additional charges are likely.
Dontrell continued to work as an Horry County deputy coroner after Rice went missing and before police identified him as a person of interest in the missing person case.
Coroner Office responds
Horry County Coroner Robert Edge released a statement through Horry County police about the arrest.
“On or about October 5 my Chief Deputy, Tamara Willard, was briefed on the disappearance of Greg Rice by HCPD and informed that Deputy Coroner Chris Dontell would be questioned with regard to the investigation. Permission was given to examine Chris Dontell’s county phone and vehicle at that time.
“On October 23 Chris Dontell was informed by HCPD that he was officially under investigation in this disappearance at which point he was suspended immediately from Horry County Coroner’s Office (through verbal interaction), denied access to all county property and promptly removed from the call schedule.”
“On Monday November 9 Mr. Dontell was terminated from Horry County Coroner’s Office.”
Dontell only other criminal charge in Horry County was for a speeding 15 to 25 mph over the limit in 2009. At that time, he listed a Maryland address in his court paperwork.
He paid $185 in costs and fees.
Jackson was charged on Nov. 5 with two counts of a seatbelt violation. Those cases remain pending. In 2017, she was charged with failure to use a turn signal and paid $25 in a fine.
Dontell’s wife posted on Facebook around 1:30 a.m., asking for space. She wrote: “Hey guys, I know everyone is concerned about what is going on at the moment. I kindly ask for space as our family is trying to figure this all out. I appreciate the love and care. However, Please do not message me at this moment as it is making this more difficult for us.”
This story was originally published November 11, 2020 at 11:16 AM.
