July 5, 2009 Suspect sketch in S.C. 'serial killings' Play video

(NECN/WSOC) - The death toll in an already horrific string of crimes grew by one Saturday morning.

15-year-old Abby Tyler died at a Spartanburg Hospital. Police said Tyler was the fifth person to die during the last week at the hands of this suspect.

Investigators held a debriefing this afternoon, as a new reward was offered for his capture. Fliers were put up all over town, catching the eye of curious residents like Jody Ledbetter.

"Everybody is being real cautious," Ledbetter said.

Ledbetter was one of many people hoping for answers Saturday about the killings, as they prepared to celebrate the 4th of July Saturday night.

"It'll change how you think about things, like you wouldn't lock your door or something like that (before), but a lot of people are keeping their eyes out," Ledbetter said.

Closer to town, messages went up to the victim's families. one woman told us her day care was empty this week as parents chose to stay home with their children.

"My third shift called in and said she wasn't going to work and she has two children and said she was going to stay home, and I don't much blame her," business owner Joyce Logan said.

Saturday afternoon, Gaffney's police chief thanked the public for its support, saying he is received countless number of phone calls offering tips.

He said he is following through on each call.

"All leads are credible until we prove them otherwise," the police chief said.

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