It's been five weeks since the first round of chicken houses were targeted in Clarendon County and four weeks since the third and final round. During the incidents, vandals deliberately tampered with the temperature gauges of sixteen different houses resulting in the death of over 300,000 chickens.
Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett hoped to close the case quickly, but it remains open.
"We've interviewed people again to see if maybe they've heard something more, information," said Garrett. "The investigation still continues."
When the case first began to lag, National Animal Rights Organization PETA stepped in, offering a $5,000 reward. The next day, Pilgrim's Pride, the company whose chickens were killed, added a $50,000 reward on top of that.
Sheriff Garrett thought that would be turning point, but says not one single tip has come in.
"I've been doing this 41 years and any time you offer a reward, you generate calls and information," said Garrett. "Some of it will pan out to be nothing at all, but you get something. We haven't gotten one call. Investigators, myself, we're all thinking about that. The why hasn't anything, unless there are those out there that believe the reward will go up. Maybe $55,000 between the two wasn't enough, they want to see more."
The farmers hit declined to go on camera, but say it takes about six weeks before they can start using the chicken houses again. As that day nears, they still fear whoever is responsible could strike again.
"The worry has never stopped, that hasn't let up," said Garrett. "There's measures in place that weren't in place before that are now and maybe that's why we haven't had any more."
Despite increased patrolling at the farms, Sheriff Garrett assures residents they're as safe as ever. He calls this a case no one is likely to forget for a long time, but hopes it's one that has an ending soon.
"If you've got any information, please come forward," said Garrett. "The reward's there, it's yours for the taking."
News19 reached out to Pilgrim's Pride for a comment, but they declined saying they're not providing further comment at this time.
Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or e-mail a tip in to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com. You can also text information in by texting "TIPSC" plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Either way you choose, your identity will remain anonymous, and you could be eligible for a cash reward.
