Heather Elvis missing-person case update: Murder charges against Sidney and Tammy Moorer dropped; kidnap charges still pending

A jury has found Tammy Moorer guilty of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping in connection with the December 2013 disappearance of Heather Elvis, WMBF reports. Moorer was sentenced to 30 years in prison on each of the charges. The sentences will run concurrently.

via WMBF:

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. -- (WMBF) -- March 10, 2016 -- Murder charges against Sidney and Tammy Moorer have been dropped in connection with the December 2013 disappearance of Heather Elvis. Charges for indecent exposure have also been dropped, according to court documents.

Documents from the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office submitted Thursday confirm the charges against the Moorers have been dismissed. Charges of kidnapping in the Heather Elvis case are still pending against both Moorers, according to court records. Sidney Moorer's obstruction of justice charge is still pending, but Tammy Moorer's obstruction of justice was dismissed Thursday, according to court documents.

Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said because other charges still remain, he believes he is still under a gag order and is seeking permission from the judge to send out a press release and speak on the case.

Heather Elvis was first reported missing on Dec. 18, 2013.

The Moorers were taken into custody at their Horry County home in February 2014, and were charged with kidnapping and murder in connection with the disappearance of Elvis, who was 20 years old when she went missing.

The trial was originally scheduled to take place in May 2015, but was delayed indefinitely in March 2015.

"Right now our focus is till on finding Heather," Heather's mother Debbi Elvis told WMBF on Thursday. "We'll release more once we know the details of the case. The tips on Heather and where to search and what might have happened are still critical. We are still asking for those tips to come in.

"We are unhappy with the news that the murder charge is dropped but we have faith and hope that they will still be held accountable on the remaining charges," Debbi Elvis said.

Heather's friend Bri Warrelmann issued a statement on March 12:

"I would like to make a formal statement. I have kept pretty silent these last two plus years. To this day people assume to know where I stand and what I think. Even go as far as question my character and morals. I am harassed and verbally attacked through various social media pages on a daily basis. Everything I post is questioned and picked apart. When I lived in Myrtle Beach I attended college for criminal justice so I am no stranger with how everything works. I truly believe in our justice system. I want answers on what happened that night just as much as anyone else. I do not believe in all of the hate, threats, and harsh words that have been spoken to not just myself and Heather's friends and family but also the Moorer family; this is why I have not really spoken. I don't think it is okay to speak ill on someone's children or bad mouth someone's parent who has since passed away. People have asked my opinion on the recent charges being dropped this past week, and well yes I am sad but at the end of the day what matters most to me is answers. All I want is to know what happened to Heather. I have had my life flipped upside down but I am not the only one. I went through my pregnancy, the birth of my son, getting engaged, planning my wedding and the person I wish could have been by my side through all of it has been missing for over two years; I miss my best friend. I really hope that all of the hate and harsh words can end, and that people will focus on finding answers instead of picking everyone involved in the case apart. With all of this being said, myself and I'm sure everyone else involved would like the focus to remain on finding answers and that alone."