Frances Earle’s murder may not have been random

Frances Earle The murder of an elderly woman near Seneca four years ago may turn out to have been an act that was far from random. In fact, according to an investigator, the killer may have considered it a crime of opportunity. Frances Earle was shot to death. But it’s believed the criminal set fire to the crime scene, a home in a residential area off Highway 123, as a cover up. Today the Oconee Sheriff’s Office is once again calling attention to what happened to Frances Earle in July 2009 at 115 Brookwood Drive, a home that has since been torn down. Investigators admit it’s a perplexing case. According to Capt. Greg Reed, they had several persons of interest who were cleared of any involvement. Today they continue to follow leads and “have additional person(s) of interest” but need more information to go forward. They do not have what’s considered to be probable cause to arrest someone. But, if you have information that can help, call Crimestoppers at 864/638-STOP or text a tip to 274637. You could be eligible for a reward of up to $2 thousand.