Greenville Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Cold Case Murder
In a shocking twist straight out of a crime drama, a man from Greenville, South Carolina has been sentenced to an astonishing 35 years behind bars for a cold case murder that dates back to 2015. Jason Travis Merrill, 48, pled guilty just this past week to both second-degree arson and the murder of his former roommate, Cecil ‘Sandy’ Sanders Morris.
Creepy Discovery in 2015
The case began on a tragic note when, in October 2015, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire on Michael Drive. When firefighters managed to douse the flames, a gruesome discovery awaited them. Morris’s body was found in the basement, wrapped up in a tarp and blankets, already showing signs of decomposition. It was evident that he had been murdered before the fire began, raising a number of questions that would linger unanswered for years.
Cold Case Turns Hot Again
As investigators began to piece together the clues, they found themselves at a standstill. Initial forensic evidence didn’t pan out, and the trail went cold. However, in 2020, the case was reopened and assigned to the newly established Cold Case Unit by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. This fresh set of eyes proved vital, unearthing forgotten records and key pieces of forensic evidence—along with surveillance footage that pointed directly to Merrill.
The Gruesome Details
The plea presented chilling insights into the crime itself. Autopsy results revealed that Merrill shot Morris twice in the back of the neck sometime between October 11 and October 15, 2015. Disturbingly, he then set the house on fire, attempting to cover up his tracks. Following the crime, Merrill quickly made a dash for California, leaving the community in shock.
Surveillance and Arrest
As the investigation continued unraveling, surveillance videos captured the unsettling moments that followed. On October 30, 2015, Merrill was spotted driving Morris’s vehicle back to the home on Michael Drive and left just a few hours later—a piece of evidence that would help seal his fate. Authorities believe Merrill then fled to a relative’s home in Brevard, North Carolina, where he was ultimately arrested on November 20, 2020. To compound the horror, Morris’s vehicle was recovered at that residence.
Justice Served
This case marks a significant victory for the Cold Case Unit, which aims to bring closure to victims and their families. The expert team from the Sheriff’s Office worked diligently to crack this case open, proving that no crime should be considered forgotten or beyond the reach of justice. Merrill’s sentencing allows the community to breathe a little easier, knowing that he will serve his time within the SC Department of Corrections Facility.
A Community Reflects
As the dust settles on this long-winded case, the Greenville community steps back to reflect. Cold cases often leave families in limbo, and the tireless efforts from the Cold Case Unit not only bring about justice but also restore hope that the truth can be uncovered, no matter how much time has passed. After nearly a decade of waiting, the families of Morris and Merrill may each finally begin to find some semblance of peace.
While justice has been served in this troubling case, it stands as a reminder of the lengths to which some will go to hide their dark deeds. As renowned detectives say, the truth always finds a way to come out. And the Greenville community stands united, stronger than ever.
