About
Laura Grimes Kneece
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I started my career in the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department where I served as a Road Deputy, School Resource Officer, and a Crime Scene Investigator. During this time, I began to realize that I enjoyed crime scene work and began to look at death investigation as my next path forward. I did research and determined that I could pursue a degree in Criminal Justice while working full-time.
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After graduating from Kaplan University in 2009 with a major in Criminal Justice with cum laude honors, I was hired as the Forensic Death Investigator at the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, serving under the late Coroner Harry O. Harmon.
During my tenure at the Lexington County Coroner's Office, I became board certified in Medicolegal Death Investigation through The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. At that time, I was one of eight ABMDI-certified investigators in South Carolina and one of 240 in the Nation to achieve this certification. I also gained experience while serving as a morgue assistant for Newberry Pathology Associates, serving under Forensic Pathologist Dr. Janice (Pat) Ross.
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In 2016, I ran for the elected position of Coroner in Newberry County and won.
I was sworn into office on January 3rd of 2017.
I serve with a team of two part-time personnel and one paid college intern. We cover all of Newberry County. Since my service started, my team has conducted 775 investigations.
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I am also a member of the SC Coroner’s American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and the Newberry County Law Enforcement Officers Association.
After living in Newberry County for several years, I am proud to call Newberry County my home.
I believe all people deserve dignity, compassion, and respect, especially when they are most vulnerable. I strive to be that public servant when people and families are in their darkest hour.
Laura Kneece
Coroner's Mission
To serve the citizens of Newberry County with professionalism and integrity, while upholding our commitment to determine the cause and manner of death in a dignified manner and maintaining respect for the families.
Coroner's Duties
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Confirm and certify the death of an individual within their jurisdiction by determining the cause and manner of death.
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Can order an autopsy to determine a person’s cause of death as well as assist investigating agencies with evidence preservation and documentation per SC Section 17-7-10.
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May conduct or order an inquest into the manner or cause of death per SC Section 17-7-70-650.
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Investigate or confirm the identity of an unknown person who has been found dead within the jurisdiction of the county in which the serve.
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Issue Cremation Permits to Funeral Homes and Crematories SC Section 17-5-600.