Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of three additional mothers who were complacent and/or contributed to their child’s criminal activity.
On January 23, 2025, deputies were called to a local hospital for a juvenile who was brought in, by his mom, with a gunshot wound to the lower body. The investigation revealed that incident occurred at the 100 block of Haven Circle, there were four juveniles at her residence, an altercation occurred and her son was shot. The mother, Brandi Grice, was called to the home, where she transported all four juveniles to a secondary location, including the shooter. Dropping off three and then taking her son to the hospital. The shooter in this case has not been located. The case is still under investigation.
Seven days later, January 30, the same juveniles were involved in an accident in a stolen vehicle out of Lexington County. One of those juveniles was observed running from the scene of the accident with a firearm. A foot pursuit ensured and the RCSD K9 located the suspect and pistol. He, 17-year-old was charged with possession of firearm under 18 and possession of a stolen gun. He is the brother of the juvenile shot on Haven Circle.
Brandi Grice (DOB: 10/27/75) is charged with accessory after the fact of a felony. She was arrested on February 10, and booked into the Alvin S. Glen Detention Center. Grice is the mom of both the juvenile shot on Haven circle and the mom of the suspect of the stolen vehicle.
In another incident that occurred on January 28, 2025, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Miles Bowman Rd. for two individuals shot. When deputies arrived on scene, they located a 23-year-old man deceased in the front passenger seat of a vehicle and a woman outside the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the upper body.
During the course of the investigation it was revealed that Ashley Layne, mother of Jackson Layne who is charged with murder, picked up two of the shooters from the incident location, one of them her son, and took them to her residence without notifying law enforcement.
Ashley Layne (DOB: 5/31/82) is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was arrested on February 10, and booked into the Alvin S. Glen Detention Center.
The investigation also revealed that Leigha Ricks, mother of 16-year-old who is charged with murder, was contacted numerous times and told of the shooting that occurred and her son’s involvement prior to being contacted by law enforcement. She then facilitated his stay away from their residence and even notified him that deputies were looking for him. When confronted by law enforcement she told deputies she had no knowledge of the incident.
Leigha Ricks (DOB: 08/11/92) is charged with obstruction. She was arrested on February 10, and booked into the Alvin S, Glen Detention center.
“It’s a sad thing to stand here and say we arresting moms, but these moms are not doing what a mother should do,” said Sheriff Leon Lott, “and teach their children that you must take responsibility for your actions and actions have consequences.” Sheriff Lott continues, “It’s even more troubling that in each of these cases there are no dads in the family. ”
The Richland County Sherriff’s Department offers several programs through our Youth Services Unit that can help parents and teens, but that parents have to do their part to enroll them and bring them to the classes. For information visit [https://www.rcsd.net/our-programs/youth-services/](https://www.rcsd.net/our-programs/youth-services/)or contact (803) 576-3070 or (803) 576-3034 to make an appointment to start our family conferences.