Search for Swainson continues, suspect’s sister speaks

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – A suspect sits in jail, DNA of a kidnapped victim shows up and a family member of the suspect says police have the wrong guy in the ongoing case of missing 15-year-old Gabrielle Swainson. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott held a press conference Tuesday morning to announce the arrest of Freddie Grant. Grant is being charged with kidnapping Swainson and has reportedly been uncooperative with authorities. Some 120 FBI agents, and various local and state officers searched a junkyard located near Grant’s Elgin residence. They say they found bloody duct tape and Swainson’s DNA on items at the home. Sheriff Lott says that Grant was mowing the lawn of Swainson’s mother the night before Gabrielle disappeared. Grant and the mother reportedly had a previous relationship. The timing of the alleged kidnapping is sometime shortly after the mother left for work during the overnight hours. Deputies say there was no sign of forced entry. Investigators say Grant has a long criminal history. However, the suspect’s sister claims her brother is innocent and that Gabrielle Swainson likely left her home voluntarily due to ongoing disputes she had been having with her mother.