New Swainson Case Evidence is Key, Literally

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The mystery of how a suspected kidnapper reportedly abducted a Midlands teenager and there was no forced entry to the home from where she was taken is solved by a house key that the suspect had all along. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott revealed to members of the media Wednesday a house key to Gabrielle Swainson’s residence. He says the key was retrieved from the Elgin home of kidnapping suspect, 52-year-old Freddie Grant, in addition to other evidence, including Gabrielle’s DNA, taken from the suspect’s residence. Authorities say the key, found on a key chain hanging from a nail in Grant’s house, is the same one Grant lied to the victim’s mother about not having. Elvia Swainson, Gabrielle’s mother, was in an on-and-off-again relationship with Grant and had given him a key to the house so he could do work on kitchen floor. Investigators say about six weeks ago, Grant lied to the mother and said he didn’t know where the key was. Investigators now believe he used to the key to enter the Swainson residence August 18th and forcibly take the 15-year-old from her home. She has been missing since then. However, Sheriff Lott says until it is proven otherwise, he believes Gabrielle Swainson is alive and that authorities will bring her home.