TOWN IN TERROR NO MORE

Gaffney, SC is located about 20 minutes from where I live. The small town and surrounding communities had been in terror during the past couple of weeks. What began as one violent crime of murder led to become 5 innocent victims of a madman within about a 10 day span. News of the Gaffney serial killer spread throughout the region, nation, and world. The town was held captive in fear and terror. Doors were locked, people stayed home. Businesses were affected. This fear was not contained within the area limited to Gaffney or Cowpens. Rumors of the vehicle in question being in our area here in Rutherford County were rampant, as I'm sure in others.

Patrick Burris was gunned down in Gastonia NC, just about 30 miles from Gaffney, when he pulled a gun and shot an officer. Ballistic reports and other evidence linked him to the murders. He is said to have had about a 25 page record, and was just released from prison in April.

Expressions of relief and gratitude that the nightmare is over has gone out, while the community continues to grieve over its loved ones. As I think back towards the past couple of weeks, I am grateful for overwhelming response that brought this to an end. I think it is due to several factors, listed in no certain order: 1) Law enforcement, who worked tirelessly day and night. They put their own lives at risk in order to protect us 2) The media- This was one of those times when we needed to be saturated. The media kept us up on the story 3) Alert citizens- The couple from Gastonia who called police did not link the situation to the suspected murderer. But they did notice suspicious activity at a nearby house. It turned out to be the call that ultimately got the murderer off the streets.

Last, but certainly not least, we need to thank the churches and communities for the prayers. Special calls of prayer were made. My dear friend, Pastor Joey Turner, of Restoration Church International, was one of those who had called for a time of prayer. On Sunday morning, all across South Carolina, and North Carolina. From across the nation, and churches in third world countries- prayer was going up. We are in gratitude for the call to prayer, and the answer to prayer.

As we continue to remember those hurting because of their loss, we give thanks. To the police, the media, the Gastonia couple, the churches. And to God. The nightmare is over. We are in terror no more.