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ROCK HILL, S.C. – It is a tale of two families, both struggling for custody of nine-year-old Mia Rodgers. The little girl was found dead in her bed from a gunshot wound Friday. Β The York County Sheriff’s Office says her paternal grandfather, 67-year-old Ron Gregory, told a deputy he shot and killed her. Β Gregory is also accused of shooting and killing his 71-year-old bed-ridden wife Barbara. Β Gregory then shot himself twice. He remains in the hospital. Β When he is released, he will be charged with two counts of murder.Β Β
Public York County court documents obtained by WCCB reveal the Gregorys and their son, Kevin, were battling Paul and Nina Rodgers, Mia’s maternal grandparents, for custody of the girl. Β Mia’s mother died from cancer. Β Mia’s father is also named in the custody battle.Β
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In February, a guardian ad litem submitted a report to the courts. Β She met with Mia seven times during the course of her investigation. Β The guardian ad litem claims “Mia does not ask to go see her maternal grandparents. Β She will beg not to go.” Β The guardian ad litem told the courts she had “no concerns about Mia staying with the paternal grandparents and her father.” Β She recommended that until a final decision was made regarding Mia’s custody, the little girl “maintain the connection and bond as a family with her father.”Β
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Judge Robert Guess declared both sets of grandparents as well as Mia’s father “fit” to have custody of her. Β The judge awarded temporary custody to Mia’s father and Barbara and Ron Gregory. Β He ruled that the Rodgers would get Mia every other weekend. Β The guardian ad litem tells WCCB a judge has ordered her not to speak about the case.
