A verdict was reached Thursday afternoon for a man on trial accused of killing a Pageland mother.
Emanuel Bedford killed Deidre Reid in September 2021, and her body was never found, prosecutors said.
The jury unanimously found Bedford guilty of murder and grand larceny. Bedford was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Family members sobbed while the verdict was announced. They have been waiting four years for the closure, but they still want answers.
Deidre Reid’s daughter, Tahteyanna Patterson, said her mom was just weeks away from closing on a house and having surgery when she disappeared.
Her vehicle that had her blood in it was found in a pond in South Carolina, but her body has never been found.
Bedford, who is the father of Deidre Reid’s son, did not call up any witnesses Thursday.
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He dropped his attorney Wednesday to represent himself.
In closing statements, Bedford argued none of the witnesses described him having a history of violence and none of the video footage showed signs that Deidre Reid was in danger.
“(I think our mom), she’s happy for the verdict,” said the victim’s brother, James Reid. “I know she’s feeling with us because we’re still here to grieve. Not knowing where Deidre is. Our mom passed but we have a place to go but she knows that we’re still mourning for our sister’s remains.”
Solicitor Mike Burch released a statement regarding the verdict, saying:
“Our sincere condolences go out to Deidre Reid’s family. They have been living a nightmare since September 2021. Today, part of that nightmare is over. I would like to commend law enforcement and our trial team of Senior Deputy Solicitor Kernard Redmond and Assistant Solicitor J.T. Baxley on the countless hours they put into preparing for this trial. Their hard work paid off in the conviction of Emanuel Bedford by a Chesterfield County jury for the murder of Deidre Reid. Bedford will spend the rest of his natural life in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he belongs.”
Bedford can appeal the sentence.
VIDEO: Trial continues in Deidre Reid case as prosecutors present key evidence and heated cross-examination
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