In the summer of 2021, the community of Easley, South Carolina, was shaken by the discovery of the death of Cleveland “Cleve” Jennings Sanders III, a 62-year-old man. The investigation into his disappearance and subsequent death unfolded over several days, revealing a story of violence that ended the life of a man known to his family and friends.
The timeline of events began when family members grew concerned after not seeing or hearing from Sanders since July 6, 2021.
This led them to file a missing person report with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies were dispatched to Sanders' home on Poinsettia Drive to begin their investigation. The search of the property led to a grim discovery in a wooded area: Sanders' body was found in a makeshift structure. An autopsy later confirmed that he had died from a gunshot wound to the head, and it was estimated that he had been killed on or around July 6.
The investigation quickly focused on an acquaintance of Sanders, 33-year-old Amber Christine Fernandez Cruz of Pickens. During the course of the investigation, Cruz admitted to shooting Sanders. Following her confession, she was taken into custody without incident.
Amber Christine Fernandez Cruz was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. She was subsequently booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. The motive for the shooting was not immediately released by law enforcement officials. Information regarding the trial and conviction of Amber Christine Fernandez Cruz is not available in the provided online sources.
