Woman Receives Double Life Sentence After Murder-For-Hire Plot To Kill Her Father And Brother

A 39-year-old woman has been sentenced to two life sentences behind bars after her role in the deaths of two family members. 

Samantha Ford Rabon was involved in a murder-for-hire plot in 2018 to reportedly inherit a $1 million dollar inheritance from her father. 

The plot targeted her father, 59-year-old Robert Ford, and her half-brother, 25-year-old Robbie Ford. A jury found Rabon guilty on two counts each of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. She will not be eligible for parole.

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According to the solicitor's office, on Aug. 18, 2018, Horry County Police responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle. Their investigation led them to a partially burned Ford Escape in a field off Cookes Circle.

Following the initial discovery of the vehicle, Horry County Police uncovered a crime scene at the home of the registered owner. Officers found the lifeless bodies of Robert and Robbie in the yard. Both victims died of gunshot wounds. Robert Ford had been "shot twice in the head at close range," while Robbie Ford sustained a gunshot to his side and in the back of his head.

Investigators determined that the heinous act had taken place on Aug. 17, 2018, a day before the discovery of the abandoned vehicle.

The investigation spanned over two years before a breakthrough was achieved through the implementation of genetic genealogy. Horry County Police utilized DNA extracted from cigarette butts and a skull cap found in and around the Ford Escape. This genetic evidence led investigators to identify Randy Grainger and Teresa Martin, the latter being revealed as Rabon's cousin.

Rabon sought Grainger's assistance in a plot to kill her father and half-brother. The motive behind this plan was Rabon's desire to inherit all of her father's wealth.

Testimony during Rabon's trial, as reported by WMBF-TV, implicated both Randy Grainger and Teresa Martin, who claimed that Rabon offered Grainger $20,000 to execute the plan.

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Teresa Martin was charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy initially, and she subsequently pleaded guilty in April 2023 to accessory after the fact to murder.

Randy Grainger was convicted of two counts of murder, two counts of criminal conspiracy, one count of arson, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime on April 6, 2023.

"In my 30 years of prosecution, these are the most heinous murders I have ever seen," said senior assistant solicitor Mary-Ellen Walter. "The idea that someone would have their family killed out of pure greed is untenable."