In July 2005, Reggie and Carol Sumner, both 61, were kidnapped from their Jacksonville, Florida home and buried alive in a shallow grave across state lines. The couple had recently moved from South Carolina, where they had been kind to a young neighbor, Tiffany Cole. They even sold her a car at a discounted price and told her to visit anytime.
During a visit to Florida, the Sumners shared they had made nearly $99,000 from their recent home sale. That detail led Tiffany along with her boyfriend Michael Jackson and two others—to plan a robbery.
On July 8, the group invaded the Sumners’ home, tied them up, and drove them to Georgia. There, they buried the couple alive. Both Reggie and Carol died from asphyxiation due to dirt and lack of oxygen.
After withdrawing money using the Sumners’ bank cards, the group celebrated with champagne.
All four were later arrested. Jackson and Alan Wade were sentenced to death. Tiffany Cole also received the death penalty, later reduced to life in prison. Bruce Nixon, who cooperated with police, received 45 years.