Sharon Anschutz. Credit: Greenville County Sheriff's Office
In just two and a half years, the Greenville County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit has solved its ninth homicide case, which dates back over 22 years.
On June 5, 2000, investigators initiated a homicide investigation after 54-year-old Sharon Anschutz was shot and killed during what was determined to be a robbery while working at the John Butler Dry Cleaners. Following the initial investigation, the case went cold after no arrests were made.
In summer 2022, the newly revamped cold case unit created by Sheriff Hobart Lewis in 2020, began diving into the case, re-interviewing old witnesses and identifying new ones. In addition, investigators looked into potential forensic evidence related to the case.
On Jan. 6, 2023, investigators closed the murder after determining that 44-year-old Roger Keith Hudgens was responsible for her death. Investigators learned Hudgens was a local man who did various jobs around the dry cleaners, including occasionally taking out the trash. Through speaking with witnesses, investigators learned of Hudgens’ intentions to rob the business that day and, along with forensic evidence, were able to tie him to Anshutz’s murder.
Hudgens died in 2008 from medical complications.
“While no investigation will bring loved ones back, I hope that Sharon Anschutz’s family can find peace in knowing that her killer was identified and no longer in a position to harm others," said Sheriff Hobart Lewis. "As the cheriff of this county, it is my unwavering intention not to rest until every one of our cold cases is solved and justice is served. I am so proud of the work and persistent dedication our team of investigators performed. My message to the community of fallen victim families is that we will never give up.”
Republished courtesy of Greenville County Sheriff's Office.