The motive behind the Superbike Motorsports massacre was initially believed to be a personal vendetta rather than a robbery.
Todd Kohlhepp, who was charged with kidnapping and sexual assault as a teenager, went on to become a successful real estate agent and committed multiple murders.
Authorities failed to recognize Todd Kohlhepp's violent tendencies, allowing him to continue his criminal activities undetected.
Deep dives
The Superbike Motorsports Murders
In Chesney, South Carolina, the Superbike Motorsports dealership became the site of a horrific crime when Scott Ponder, Brian Lucas, Beverly Guy, and Chris Sherbert were found shot to death. The motive behind the attack initially seemed to be a personal vendetta rather than a robbery. The investigation explored theories involving disgruntled customers and rivals in the motorcycle industry, but no solid leads have emerged, leaving the case unresolved.
Todd Kohlhepp's Crimes and Capture
Todd Kohlhepp, a troubled individual with a history of violent behavior, was charged as an adult when he kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl in Arizona. After serving time, he moved to South Carolina, became a successful real estate agent, and lived a seemingly normal life. However, in 2016, Kohlhepp's property was uncovered as the location where he withheld and murdered Charlie Carver and Alana Jones. Further investigation revealed that he had also been responsible for the murders of Johnny and Megan Coxie, whose bodies were found on the same property.
Kohlhepp's Murky Past
Kohlhepp's troubled past included a history of violent and destructive behavior from a young age. His obsession with sexual content and firearms, along with his dark sense of humor, hinted at his dangerous tendencies. He boasted about his wealth and collection of weapons and openly watched pornography at work. Kohlhepp's psychology evaluation during his teenage years revealed that he had borderline personality disorder. However, authorities failed to recognize the extent of his violent tendencies, allowing him to slip under the radar and continue his criminal activities undetected.
The Couple's Disappearance and Mysterious Facebook Posts
Charlie and Alana go missing, prompting their loved ones and the police to start searching for them. Strange posts appear on Charlie's Facebook page, including major life events that didn't fit with what was known about the couple. Friends suspect foul play and question the authenticity of the posts, fueling concerns about Charlie and Alana's safety.
The Discovery and Rescue at the Rural Property
Police trace cell phone data and connect it to a rural property in Woodruff. During the search, they find Charlie's car hidden in a ravine and discover that Alana is being held captive in a shipping container. With the help of bolt-cutters, they rescue her from her restraints. Alana reveals that Todd Colhapp, the owner of the property, shot and killed Charlie and kept her captive for two months. Colhapp's connection to other crimes, including the Superbike Motorsports massacre, is also uncovered.
On November 6 2003, a customer entered the Superbike Motorsports dealership in Chesnee, South Carolina. Nothing could prepare them for the grisly scene inside. Four employees had been gunned down in cold blood - Scott Ponder, Beverly Guy, Brian Lucas, and Chris Sherbert.