The case of a man who had been missing for six years was closed yesterday during a press conference by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. Chief Deputy Coroner Patti Canupp yesterday said that day would have been the 45th birthday for Gregory McSwain Morgan of Joanna. He was reportedly last seen by family in July of 2017. Canupp said the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office was called October 1st of this year when someone found a skull in woods at 609 North Ellis Street, Joanna. She said a search eventually located 95% of the skeletal remains. She identified forensic experts in Greenville and that Coroner’s Office who assisted in the investigation.
Ms. Canupp said the skeletal remains showed no signs of trauma. Cause of the death of Gregory Morgan has been ruled as “undetermined.”
Gregory Morgan’s sister, Beverly Morgan of Laurens, told WLBG News that she was glad to finally know something regarding her brother, not having to wonder where he was. Yet, she noted that knowing this raises new questions. Ms. Morgan told all reporters present yesterday that she was very pleased with the Laurens County Coroner’s Office for their work on this matter.
Laurens County Coroner Vickie Cheek expressed gratitude for her team at the coroner’s office for diligently working long hours to resolve this case. She also thanked two forensic doctors, the Greenville Coroner’s Office, Foothills Search and Rescue, SLED and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office. Mrs. Cheek concluded, “Our heartfelt condolences to out to the family.”
