MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Investigators are still searching for answers one month after someone shot and killed Frances Mae Davis in the parking lot of the Myrtle Beach Mall.
She was found inside a car, just a day away from her 79th birthday.
Horry County Police are investigating the homicide. They haven’t named any suspects and say they aren’t close to an arrest in the case.
Davis’ family says it’s frustrating to not have answers, and want to make sure no one else has to suffer a similar loss.
Lamar and Coastal donated a combined 33 digital billboards advertising a $10,000 reward from the ATF for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Davis’ killer. The billboards line highways up and down the Grand Strand.
It was an emotional reminder for her daughter, Michele Gagne.
“Today is the first day I actually saw it on the billboard, so it’s been a rough day for me,” said Gagne.
Gagne’s mother lived with her for the past 14 years and her other daughter, Shelly Wells, found her body. Both are having trouble coping with their loss.
“It’s hard. We both agreed to go to counseling, but it’s just hard. Between the two of us, it’s a lot of ‘what ifs,'” said Wells.
Wells says she still struggles with the guilt of leaving her mother alone in the parking lot.
“I find myself talking out loud to her, asking her to forgive me for having her sit in the car,” she said.
Both daughters say they will never be able to step foot inside the Myrtle Beach Mall again.
“I had to bring the stuff I bought that day back to the other JC Penny at the Coastal Grand Mall and was just hyperventilating,” said Wells.
Now they’re attention is focused in making sure whoever committed the crime is brought to justice.
“I’m trying to say no news is good news, but it’s a little frustrating they cant find this person,” said Gagne.
The family raised money to make flyers and post cards with Davis’ picture and reward information.
“Whoever knows the person, how would you feel if it was your mother, your sister, your aunt? Just tell us who it is,” pleaded Gagne.
News13 asked Horry County Police if any tips have come in, if search warrants were served, or if any supplemental police reports were available. Police say no further details can be released at this time, as it’s still an active investigation.
The day of the murder, police did say the public isn’t in any danger, something Davis’ daughters have a hard time believing.
“Nope, no. Neither one of us do. No. The public needs to be aware that this happened in broad daylight, this could happen to anybody, anywhere,” expressed Gagne.
