Kershaw, SC (WLTX)- A Kershaw County man was sentenced to 50 years after admitting he raped and murdered a teen.
Briana Nicole Rabon was found dead in a wooded area of Elgin last year. Investigators say they found the girl's car at the Waffle House located on U.S. 601 and Interstate 20.
Stephen Ross Kelly admitted to strangling and raping 18-year-old Briana Rabon. Kelly's DNA was matched to scratches on Briana's body and chewing gum found at the scene.
He pleaded guilty to four charges including murder, criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and criminal domestic violence.
The Kershaw County Sheriff says his county doesn't see many crimes like this one.
"You have two families that have suffered a great deal" said Sheriff Jim Matthews. "The Rabon family suffered the most because they lost their daughter but the Kelly family also suffered because their son is going to prison".
Kelly's mother apologized to the victims family and Rabon's family also addressed the judge.
"It was no accident he brutally murdered my daughter" said Rabon's mother.
Briana wanted to be a school teacher and was working two jobs.
"I'm strong my faith in God has brought me this far but my heart breaks and I cry everyday for my daughter" said Rabon's mother before she asked the judge for life without parole.
"It was a very brutal crime" said Sheriff Matthews.
