Investigators from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and SLED this weekend continued their search for the perpetrators of a double homicide in Cross Hill Friday.
Following an autopsy Saturday, Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols said that 47-year-old Sammie Leake died from two gunshots to his head. His body was found near the front door of his niece’s mobile home at 42 Havendale Drive, Cross Hill. Nichols said the niece, 24-year-old Nikesha James, died of a single gunshot that entered her neck and traveled to her heart. She was found on a sofa in her residence. Havendale Drive is a dirt road off John Grant Street, Cross Hill. Nichols estimated the time of death as 3 am Friday, based on reports of gunshots heard early Friday. Sheriff Ricky Chastain said the gunfire was reportedly heard approximately between 1:30 and 3:00 am Friday. The bodies were found sometime around 1:30 Friday afternoon. Sammie Leake had reportedly moved in with his niece a few days prior to the fatal double murder, perhaps on Monday of last week.
The Sheriff said that officers were continuing to investigate the shooting throughout the weekend and interviews were being conducted as part of the investigation.
Sheriff Chastain said that, weather permitting, the family plans to hold a candle-light vigil in memory of Sammie Leake and Nikesha James at 6:00 pm Monday evening on John Grant Street.