18-year-old charged with machete killing, armed robbery in Abbeville

A South Carolina teenager has been charged with murder following a deadly machete attack and robbery in the city of Abbeville.

Jaylon Thomas Elmore, 18, has been charged with murder, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to warrants released Friday by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

On July 5, Elmore allegedly struck the unnamed victim in the head and chest with the machete and proceeded to steal items from the victim’s home, according to warrants. The incident took place on Spring Street, near downtown Abbeville.

Investigators said Elmore confessed to the crime during an interview and they were able to recover the weapon from a location that he provided.

In a statement, SLED said that their assistance was requested by the Abbeville Police Department.

The case will be prosecuted by 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

This story was originally published July 8, 2023 at 9:33 AM.

Ted Clifford

The State

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Ted Clifford is the statewide accountability reporter at The State Newspaper. Formerly the crime and courts reporter, he has covered the Murdaugh saga, state and federal court, as well as criminal justice and public safety in the Midlands and across South Carolina. He is the recipient of the 2023 award for best beat reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.