Woman gets at least 18 years in prison for 2016 murder

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Columbus County woman pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree murder for the death of Albert Grainger in 2016.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says Samari Tyshea Vereen was sentenced to at least 18 years in prison.

The charges stem from a robbery in Tabor City during on September 2, 2016. Grainger’s wife, Debra Grainger, found her husband dead in the road shortly after he visited the CresCom Bank in Tabor City.

William Jerome Dixon, a co-defendant, has previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder while other co-defendants are still awaiting trial.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says Debra Grainger gave an emotional and moving account of the loss and trauma that this murder has had on her, her children and grandchildren in the courtroom.