Advertisement GCSO: 2 killed near vacant textile plant identified Coroner: Both victims were security guards at the plant Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The investigation into the deaths of two security guards killed at the entry to a vacant textile plant is continuing.Pictures from the sceneBobby Wayne Wood, 65, of Pelzer, and Richard Thomas Ellison, 53, Greenville, were found dead early Friday morning at vacant Hollingsworth textile plant on Laurens Road near Millennium Boulevard."Investigators think this may have happened around the shift change because the two men do not usually work at the same time," Greenville County Coroner Parks Evans told WYFF. "They had a habit of talking to each other when one would come to take over for the other guard."Evans said he was told that the shift change was scheduled for 11 p.m. at night.The coroner’s report listed the manner of death as homicide, but it did not give the cause of death. Initially reports were that it was a shooting, but the coroner has not yet confirmed that.Evans said they are withholding information about the cause of death at the request of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.Both men had multiple injuries, according to the coroner.Deputy Jonathan Smith said the bodies were found at about 3:30 a.m. by a woman who was delivering newspapers and saw the two bodies at the Hollingsworth property on Laurens Road near Millennium Boulevard.Smith said the victims’ bodies were outside the guard station at the gate of the plant.By 10 a.m., multiple K-9 units were at the scene. Smith said the dogs were being used to help search the 60-acre property and multiple buildings to help deputies gather any possible evidence. At about 11:45 a.m., there was also a police helicopter over the location.The plant, which manufactured textile machinery, closed in December 2009. The property is privately owned and guarded 24 hours a day by two security guards. When asked if the community should be concerned about a shooter, Smith said, “We understand the concern since there is no suspect information.” He said people should “be aware” and that if anyone saw anything unusual during the early morning hours or overnight at the plant, they should call 23-CRIME.News 4 was not able to get in touch with Ellison's family, but we did speak to Wood's daughter, Tricia Graettinger. She said, "My daddy was a Vietnam veteran. He was a very humble man and a good father. And we will miss him."Graettinger said the family has a lot of questions."I don't understand it. I don't know why anyone would hurt him. I don't know what the motive is," said Graettinger.Greenville County School District officials say no schools were put on lockdown. They said they were contacted early Friday morning, but deputies said there was no need for any precautions at nearby schools.Smith said it was not immediately known if the guards who work at the property were armed or unarmed.Smith said the shooting may have happened during a shift change.He said once the coroner determines the time of death, investigators will backtrack to determine the events leading up to the shooting.James W. Terry, President, of Hollingsworth funds, released a statement over the weekend saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of August 29, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Bobby W. Wood (employed since 1967) and Richard T. Ellison (employed since 1998) were exemplary, longtime associates of Hollingsworth on Wheels. Words cannot express our sorrow. We are actively working with authorities on the investigation.”