HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Digital evidence processed using a mobile forensics lab played a major role in helping authorities solve one of the most prolific murder cases in recent Horry County history, officials said.
Horry County Sheriff’s Office technicians used the lab to process evidence in the case of Meagan Jackson, who was found guilty of murder in June for killing Gregory Rice, the father of her four children, in 2020. Christopher Dontell, a deputy coroner at the time, pleaded guilty to accessory and conspiracy in the case.
Lt. Benjamin Wells said authorities use the lab equipped with Cellebrite technology at crime scenes to extract deleted text messages, images, and outside app messages directly from electronic devices. Currently, the sheriff’s office partners with Conway and North Myrtle Beach police, who each have officers working in the lab to help over 15 agencies in the county…