Spencer Sentenced to Life After 2021 Murder

On December 10, 2021 the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office responded to Fairview Road in Fountain Inn in reference to Ms. Billie Jean Cross being reported missing by her family. On December 14, 2021 the body of Ms. Cross was located in Anderson County.

Despite starting the investigation with limited information and zero leads, Investigators discovered that Timothy Paul Spencer was an HVAC employee who had been at the home of Ms. Cross on the day of her disappearance. Among other evidence obtained, GPS records and phone data from the suspect and the victim showed Spencer traveling from the victim’s home to the site where her body was located. Evidence also indicated that Spencer stole $2500 from Ms. Cross by electronic means.

Yesterday, a jury found Timothy Spencer guilty of murder and Judge Hocker sentenced him to life in prison.

“Ms. Billie Jean Cross was a military veteran already suffering from health issues. This was a senseless and tragic act of violence. Spencer had a lengthy history of property crimes going back to the 90’s. He selfishly took another life and I have no doubt he would have done so again. I want to thank LCSO deputies and the Investigators who worked tirelessly to bring this individual to justice. I thank the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for their extensive assistance with this case, as well as Investigators Hunnicutt and Pittman with the Solicitor’s Office for their hard work during the duration of the case and presenting the evidence during the trial. My heartfelt condolences once again go to the family of Ms. Cross and I hope that this conclusion brings them some sense of justice and comfort.” -Sheriff Reynolds