Married Ridgeville couple conspired in ‘execution-style murder,’ affidavits say

A Ridgeville couple conspired in the “execution-style murder” of their 64-year-old relative earlier this month, according to arrest affidavits.

Endsley and Mary Grooms each face a charge of murder in the Feb. 1 death of Jimmy C. Edwards.

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said that Mary Grooms’ son, 37-year-old Sonny Jones, snuck up behind Edwards as he returned to their home at 374 Ridge Road and shot him three times in the back of the head.

After the slaying in the home’s backyard, Jones gave the .25-caliber handgun to 67-year-old Endsley Grooms to be destroyed, the court papers alleged.

Both Endsley Grooms and Mary Grooms, 54, who is Edwards’ stepdaughter, contributed to the killing by trying to mislead investigators, the documents stated.

Jones gave a statement about his and the Groomses’ involvement, according to the affidavits.

Both Groomses were denied bail during a hearing this morning. Jones was denied bail Tuesday.

The couple had said that they thought Jones was showering when the gunfire rang out. They said they knew nothing about the crime until they walked outside to check on Edwards and found him dead.

Reach Andrew Knapp at 937-5414 or twitter.com/offlede.