In most tragedies, families mourn together, seeking healing and justice. But in the case of 16-year-old Savannah Rice, she didn’t just sit silently in court—weeping or begging for mercy. Instead, she did something almost no one could imagine.
She stood up…
Faced the judge…
Pointed to her own mother—Megan Rice (also known as Meagan Jackson)—
And said:
“She deserves the death penalty for killing my father.”
This is not fiction. This is the deeply disturbing, real-life story of Greg Rice, a beloved father whose body was found dumped in South Carolina’s Great Pee Dee River—and how his wife, along with her secret lover, planned his death. The betrayal, the courtroom shock, and the daughter’s courageous testimony have turned this into one of the most chilling family crime stories in recent memory.
🔹 Part 1: The Family That Looked Perfect
From the outside, the Rice family seemed ordinary—happy even.
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Greg Rice was known as a hardworking, caring father.
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Megan Rice, his wife, was seen as quiet but kind.
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They had children together, including their teenage daughter Savannah.
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They attended church, had family dinners, and posted smiling family photos on Facebook.
But behind closed doors, cracks were forming. Arguments about finances, loyalty, and control became frequent. Friends say Megan grew distant—emotionless, detached. Greg tried to hold the family together… but he had no idea betrayal was unfolding right behind his back.
🔹 Part 2: The Secret Relationship and Deadly Plan
Megan began an affair with another man—Christopher Dontell.
Instead of ending her marriage, she chose something darker. Investigators later discovered text messages between Megan and Christopher discussing plans, money, and a chilling phrase:
“It will all be over soon.”
According to prosecutors and Dontell’s own testimony:
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Megan wanted life insurance money.
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She believed Greg was “in the way.”
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She promised Christopher a new life if he helped… or at least stayed quiet.
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She purchased suspicious items: cement blocks, waterproof sheeting, zip ties, and a tarp.
This was no impulsive act—it was premeditated.
🔹 Part 3: The Night Greg Rice Disappeared
One evening, Megan called the police, crying and shaking, claiming:
“My husband is missing… I don’t know where he went.”
But her tears, investigators would soon learn, were lies.
According to court documents and Dontell’s confession:
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Greg was shot—by Megan herself.
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His body was wrapped in a tarp.
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Tied with zip ties.
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Weighted down with cement blocks.
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And dumped into the cold waters of the Great Pee Dee River.
For days, he was missing—until a fisherman saw something floating. Deputies arrived and confirmed the worst. The autopsy confirmed it was Greg Rice.
🔹 Part 4: The Investigation Unravels the Truth
Police grew suspicious of Megan almost immediately:
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No signs of forced entry.
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Her story changed multiple times.
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Surveillance footage showed her buying tarp, rope, and concrete before the murder.
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Cell phone records placed Christopher Dontell near the scene.
When confronted, Dontell broke. He confessed everything.
He claimed Megan shot Greg while he was sleeping, then forced Dontell to help dispose of the body.
🔹 Part 5: The Trial – A Daughter’s Heartbreaking Testimony
In court, the public expected to hear from detectives, forensic experts, maybe even neighbors.
No one expected what came next.
Savannah Rice, barely 16… walked to the witness stand.
Her voice was trembling, but her words were steady:
“My father loved us. He didn’t deserve this.
My mother planned it. She knew what she was doing.
I lost my dad because of her.
She took him from us—and I want her to pay.
I want the court to give her the death penalty.”
The entire courtroom fell silent. Some gasped. Some cried.
She didn’t ask for mercy. She asked for justice—even if it meant losing both parents.
🔹 Part 6: The Verdict and Sentencing
After emotional testimony and undeniable forensic evidence, the court delivered its decision:
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Megan Rice (Meagan Jackson):
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Found guilty of murder.
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Sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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Christopher Dontell:
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Accepted a plea deal.
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Guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.
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Sentenced to prison.
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The judge acknowledged Savannah’s pain but did not issue the death penalty. However, Megan will die behind bars, never to walk free again.
🔹 Part 7: Where Is Savannah Now?
After the trial:
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Savannah went to live with extended family.
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She avoids interviews, rarely posts on social media.
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In one quiet statement, she said:
“I miss my dad every day.
I don’t hate my mom… but I can’t forgive her.
She chose a man and money over her family.”
She is still healing—but her bravery continues to inspire thousands who followed the case.
🔹 Part 8: A Question for the World
Would you testify against your own mother?
Could you choose truth over family—justice over blood?
Savannah did.
Not because she wanted revenge. But because she believed her father deserved a voice. And she became that voice.