Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
BELTON, S.C. — Nearly 25 years after a South Carolina woman was shot and killed at a party in Belton, detectives have made an arrest in the case.
The shooting occurred on June 26, 2001, after what was supposed to be a small, laid-back get-together grew into a larger party, according to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.
During the evening, investigators said three unfamiliar men arrived and got into an argument with someone at the party. When they were asked to leave, the men stopped the car in the driveway and fired at least one shot from inside the vehicle, authorities said. Authorities said the bullet traveled through a wall and hit a man in the shoulder before fatally striking Jennifer Lawson in the head.
The 29-year-old mother was described as an innocent bystander who was "at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Now, more than 24 years later, 55-year-old Andretti Mondez Goss faces multiple charges in connection with Lawson's death, including murder.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office said Lawson's case was reopened over the past summer. Detectives re-interviewed witnesses, crossed state lines to gather more evidence and identified additional witnesses, the sheriff's office said. This led investigators to identify Goss as one of three men involved in Lawson's death.
Goss remains in the Anderson County Detention Center and was denied bond.
"This case is a testament to the persistence and dedication of our investigators," Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride said. "Our Cold Case Unit is committed to giving a voice to victims who can no longer speak for themselves and to seeking justice, no matter how much time has passed."
This case remains an active investigation. More arrests are possible, investigators said.
