News Summary
John Lucas Rice, a 21-year-old from Spartanburg, has been arrested for the murder of Kevin Scott Brookshire, whose remains were found after nearly three years of being missing. Following his confession, Rice was extradited to Cherokee County, facing murder charges. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to resolve cold cases and seek justice for victims and their families.
Spartanburg Man Arrested for 2021 Homicide After Human Remains Found in Gaffney
Spartanburg, SC – John Lucas Rice, a 21-year-old resident of Spartanburg, was arrested on September 19 for the murder of Kevin Scott Brookshire, a man who had been missing for nearly three years. Rice’s arrest follows the recent discovery of human remains, which have been identified as belonging to Brookshire, in Gaffney’s Robbs School Road area.
Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller confirmed the arrest, noting that investigators from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s cold case unit acted on a tip that directed them to continue their investigation into Brookshire’s disappearance. The investigation was rekindled when deputies searched a residence at 1316 Robbs School Road in Gaffney on August 22 and uncovered human remains in the backyard.
The remains were positively identified as those of Brookshire on September 15, prompting authorities to prioritize locating those involved in his case. Following the identification, Rice, who had previously been considered a person of interest, was located in Shelby, North Carolina, where he subsequently confessed to killing Brookshire during an interview with investigators. According to Rice, the murder occurred in December 2021.
Following his confession, Rice was extradited to Cherokee County, where he was charged with murder the day after his arrest. A magistrate judge denied Rice bond, and he is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center as the investigation into Brookshire’s case continues to unfold.
Background
Kevin Scott Brookshire, a resident of Chesnee, had been reported missing since December 2021. His case, which had remained unsolved for nearly three years, drew attention as the cold case unit of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office worked to uncover the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The investigation initially relied on tips from the public, leading authorities to search the property on Robbs School Road where the remains were ultimately found.
The investigation efforts were intensified when the authorities believed they had a significant lead, which turned out to be accurate after discovering the remains. As new evidence continues to emerge, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to finding justice for Brookshire and his family.
While Rice has been charged and remains in custody, questions about the details surrounding Brookshire’s disappearance and subsequent murder are still being examined. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading to this tragic conclusion and any other potential individuals who may be involved in the case.
The community is watching closely as the situation develops, with an emphasis on achieving justice for Brookshire and ensuring the safety and resolution of unresolved cases like his.
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Spartanburg Man Charged with Murder
- Google Search: Kevin Scott Brookshire
- Fox Carolina: Gaffney Man Dies After Nightclub Argument
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Gaffney Ledger: Trial for Parents and Brother of Disabled Girl
- Google News: Spartanburg Cold Case
- WSPA: Two Shot at Motel in Spartanburg County
- Google Scholar: Crime Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
