COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nearly five years after a double murder shocked Richland County, a jury has found a local man guilty of killing two women and sentenced him to life in prison.
Jury Finds Rufus Guilty of Double Murder
The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office confirmed that Dontrell Rufus was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kiara Richbow and her grandmother, Sarah Richbow. On Thursday, Rufus received three life sentences for the killings.
The case dates back to April 20, 2020, when Rufus showed up uninvited at Kiara Richbow’s home. Inside were her two daughters, her grandmother, and a niece. Tensions escalated despite several attempts by Rufus’s cousin to calm him down.
Victims Fatally Shot in Their Home
Investigators said Rufus entered the home and opened fire, shooting Kiara Richbow twice and Sarah Richbow once in the upper body before fleeing. Both women were rushed to the hospital but later died from their injuries.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Rufus abandoned his truck and tried to dispose of evidence tying him to the crime. He was arrested the following day without incident.
Sentenced to Three Life Terms
Prosecutors emphasized the devastating loss suffered by the Richbow family, especially with children present during the shooting. While Rufus has now been sentenced, records showing where he will serve his prison term were not immediately released…