Charleston County, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Fourteen years after the tragic shooting death of 5-year-old Allison Griffor, the case remains unsolved despite ongoing investigations and various identified persons of interest. Allison was fatally injured while sleeping at her home in West Ashley. Investigators continue to seek information from the public to help solve this heartbreaking incident that has left a lasting impact on the Charleston community.
Charleston County
No one has been charged in the shooting death of 5-year-old Allison Griffor, who was fatally injured in an incident that occurred 14 years ago on October 25, 2011. Despite ongoing investigations and various identified persons of interest, the case remains unsolved.
Allison was shot in her bed while sleeping at her family’s home in the Pierpont Avenue area of West Ashley around 1 a.m. on the night of the incident. Her father, William Griffor, reported hearing someone aggressively kicking at the front door and went to investigate. Before he managed to open the door, a shotgun blast was fired through it, striking him in the arm and sending one of the pellets through an interior wall that ultimately hit Allison in the head while she rested in her bed.
Allison was quickly taken to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), but tragically, she succumbed to her injuries two days later. In the immediate aftermath of this heartbreaking event, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon indicated that investigators had a “good idea of who is involved” in the shooting.
At the time of the shooting, the West Ashley area was experiencing a spike in violent crime, including home invasions and armed robberies. Some suspects in Allison’s murder were reportedly in jail on unrelated charges during the investigation, yet no direct connections to the incident could be established. Additionally, the shotgun used in the shooting has never been recovered, complicating the investigation further.
In June 2015, investigators arrested one man for obstruction related to the case. Furthermore, three other individuals were identified as potential suspects during ongoing investigations. However, as of this report, there have been no formal charges in the case.
The Griffor family has publicly expressed their ongoing grief over Allison’s death, describing her as a loving and vibrant child whose life was tragically cut short. Local authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the case to come forward. They have asked community members to contact Detective Barry Goldstein at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office or provide anonymous tips to aid in the investigation.
This deeply unsettling case, which has left a lasting impact on the Charleston community, illustrates the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes. With no new arrests announced and the case remaining unresolved, the Griffor family continues to seek answers and justice for their lost child.
FAQ
What happened to Allison Griffor?
Allison Griffor, a 5-year-old girl, was shot while sleeping in her bed at her family’s home in Charleston County on October 25, 2011.
How did the shooting occur?
The incident happened in the Pierpont Avenue area of West Ashley around 1 a.m. The girl’s father, William Griffor, heard someone kicking at the front door and went to answer it. Someone fired a shotgun through the door, wounding William and striking Allison.
What injuries did Allison sustain?
A pellet from the shotgun went through an interior wall and struck Allison in the head while she was in her bed. She was taken to a hospital but died two days later from her injuries.
What has been done to investigate the case?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI investigated the case, but the shotgun used in the incident was never recovered. In 2015, one man was arrested for obstruction, and three others were identified as possible suspects, but no charges have been filed.
What do the Griffor family think about the case?
The Griffor family has released a public statement mourning Allison, describing her as a loving and vibrant child.
What should anyone with information about the case do?
Local authorities have requested anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Barry Goldstein at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office or to send anonymous tips.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 25, 2011 |
| Victim | Allison Griffor, 5 years old |
| Location | Pierpont Avenue area, West Ashley, Charleston County |
| Injury Details | Shot in the head by shotgun pellets |
| Outcome | Died two days after the shooting |
| Investigating Agencies | Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI |
| Charges Filed | No charges have been made to date |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Charleston County Deputies Work to Solve Child’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Allison Griffor
- Live 5 News: No Arrests Made in Charleston Co. 5-Year-Old’s Death
- Google Search: Allison Griffor
- ABC News 4: Detectives Seek Fresh Leads on Allison Griffor Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Allison Griffor
- Count On 2: Murder of 5-Year-Old Allison Griffor Remains Unsolved
- Google News: Allison Griffor Murder
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
