Couple Found Dead In Ditch

"ANDREWS, SC — An Andrews woman and her boyfriend are both dead after what is believed to have been a murder-suicide that occurred Wednesday night.

"According to Willamsburg County Sheriff Michael Johnson, the incident occurred on Thurgood Marshall Highway in the Warsaw Community at about 9:15 p.m.

"Williamsburg County Coroner, Harrison McKnight identifies the victims as Christopher White, 52 of 8777 Thurgood Marshall Highway, and Merlene Nesmith Martin, 48 of 101 North Beech Ave., Andrews.

"Johnson said the two have been in a relationship but, according to what investigators have determined, they had been having problems.

"On Wednesday night, the two were driving on Thurgood Marshall Highway when it’s believed an argument erupted between the couple, Johnson said.

"He said White pulled the car to the side of the road and turned off his headlights.

"This prompted a juvenile who was driving by to stop and ask if everything was OK.

"`They said everything was fine but then the (juvenile) heard a female scream 'help help,'` Johnson said.

"The juvenile then heard a gunshot and sped away.

"Johnson said the juvenile returned a short time later and found both White and Martin deceased in a ditch next to the vehicle, so he called 911.

"Johnson said it's believed White shot Martin before shooting himself.

"`The investigation is continuing but we believe there were ongoing problems in their relationship,` Johnson said. `This is a tragedy for both families and it is hard on both communities.`"

From gtowntimes.com...