A Midlands man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to murder in a multi-county crime spree across South Carolina.
Jason Tyrell Ford admitted in court to killing 72-year-old Mae Edith Burgess. The fatal incident occurred after Ford stole a vehicle in Sumter County and drove to the victim’s home in Clarendon County.
Authorities said Ford killed Burgess at her residence before returning to Sumter County, where he allegedly attempted to kill another man.
In connection with the Sumter County incident, Ford faces charges including attempted armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Those charges are still pending.
In Clarendon County, he was charged with murder, first-degree burglary, grand larceny, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. In addition to the life sentence for murder, Ford also pleaded guilty to burglary, receiving a 30-year sentence, and grand larceny, for which he was sentenced to 10 years. He also admitted to a weapons charge tied to the violent crimes.
The case was investigated by the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Prosecutor Angela McCall-Tanner handled the case, which has now resulted in a life sentence as proceedings continue on the remaining charges.
