Couple Had "Unspecified Domestic Issues"

"AIKEN, SC — An Aiken man shot and killed his wife before killing himself early Saturday, according to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office.

"Officers from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and New Ellenton Police Department responded to a home on 611 Ashbury Drive in the Cedar Creek subdivision about 1:30 a.m., according to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton. They found 44-year-old Teresa Tomac and her husband, 62-year-old James Tomac dead.

“`There appears to be a recent history of unspecified domestic issues,` Carlton said in a statement. `Again, preliminary indications are that Mr. Tomac shot his wife and then killed himself.`

"Carlton said the Tomacs were both employed by the U.S. Department of Energy. Autopsies are scheduled for Monday in Newberry."

From the Aiken Standard...

Newlyweds Found Dead

"COWPENS, SC — The coroner has determined the cause and manner of the deaths of a retired deputy and his new wife.

"Coroner Rusty Clevenger announced the outcome of his investigation after speaking with the family members of Rex Miguel Scott, 68, and Lisa Kay James, 44.

"Clevenger has ruled James's death a homicide and Scott's a suicide.

"Both died from gunshot wounds to the head, Clevenger said.

"The bodies were found when a deputy was asked to go by the home on 1760 Old Pacolet Road to check the welfare of the residents, Clevenger said.

"Scott and James had recently been married, according to investigators.

"Scott was a former Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office deputy who served for several years before retiring, deputies said."

From wyff4.com...

Roommate Finds Bodies In Apartment

"COLUMBIA, SC — A University of South Carolina student was shot and killed during an apparent murder/suicide at a Richland County apartment complex.

"Richland County Coroner Gary Watts identified the people who died as 20-year-old Diamoney A. Greene and 21-year-old Brandon D. Early.

"Lt. Curtis Wilson with the Richland County Sheriff's Department says their bodies were discovered Tuesday night inside a unit at the Copper Beech Apartments just off Bluff Road. A roommate of one of the victims came home around 7 p.m. and couldn't get inside. That person then looked through a window and saw the bodies.

"Watts says it appears Early shot and killed Greene, then turned the gun on himself.

"Greene was a sophomore at USC, and was a criminal justice major. She'd transferred from South Carolina State University, where she was a cheerleader."

From wltx.com...

Pair Fought, Died In Utility Parking Lot

"CHESTER, SC — A husband and wife from Lancaster are dead after what police are calling a murder/suicide in Chester on Thursday.

"The incident happened in the parking lot of the Water Sewer District building at 155 Wylie Street around 3 p.m. when officers received reports of gunshots.

"Officers say they found a middle-aged man and woman lying face down, unresponsive. The couple was pronounced dead on scene by the Chester County Coroner.

"According to Chester Police Chief Andre Williams, the husband of a worker at the water department came to the business and asked to speak with his wife.

"The two went to the parking lot where they reportedly argued before the man shot his wife and then himself.

"The victims' names have not been released."

From wbtv.com...

Dead Bodies Found In Parking Lot

"COLUMBIA, SC — Two Columbia residents were killed Friday morning in an apparent murder/suicide.

"Two bodies were found in a parking lot in the 3300 block of North Main Street shortly before 6 a.m. Friday. Both were discovered after a police officer on patrol was flagged down by someone who had seen the bodies, Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said.

"Richland County Coroner Gary Watts identified the victim as Aja Robinson, a 23-year-old Columbia woman. Robinson was shot twice in the upper body and died at the scene.

"Jeremy Mickens, 25, of Columbia was killed by a single gunshot to the head, Watts said. He also died at the scene.

"While the Columbia Police Department continues to investigate, Watts said all evidence at this time indicates the incident was a murder/suicide.

"Police received reports of gunshots in the area shortly before the discovery, she said."

From thestate.com...

Elderly Couple, Dog Found Shot To Death

"SEABROOK, SC — In Beaufort County, deputies are investigating the murder/suicide of an elderly Seabrook couple.

"Brown’s Island Road is a quiet neighborhood in the deep parts of Seabrook.

"A lot of older people live there, that’s why deputies make random health and welfare checks, especially at the home where 81-year old Brian Chinn and 80-year old Jeanette Chinn lived.

"Beaufort County Coroner Ed Allen says Thursday’s check up was anything but routine, `Their son had called a neighbor to check on them, when he tried to reach his parents. He initially thought something was wrong with the phone,` says Coroner Ed Allen with Beaufort County.

"Allen says once at the house, a neighbor looked through the window and saw the couple lying in a bedroom, that’s when the neighbor called 9-1-1. Once inside, deputies found the couple and their dog shot to death, `At this point the investigation indicate a homicide-suicide, very tragic situation,` says Allen.

"Allen says they noticed a gun by the couple and that both of them were shot, `We are going to subpoena some medical records. I’m speaking with some family members, nothing has been confirmed,`says Allen.

"An autopsy was performed. Allen says this Sunday would have been Jeanette Chinn’s 81st birthday."

From wjcl.com...

Brothers Found Dead On Farm

"ANDREWS, SC — The Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office found two brothers dead Tuesday near Andrews in what may be a case of murder/suicide.

"Williamsburg County Coroner Harrison McKnight said he heard from the sheriff's office just before 1 p.m. that two men had been found dead on a farm on Cedar Creek Road off S.C. 41 between Andrews and Jamestown. He identified the men as Fred Joseph Felder, 57, of Charleston and Calvin S. Felder, 64, of Mount Pleasant.

"The coroner said it appeared a friend of one of the men had found the brothers after not being able to get in touch with him on the phone. The cause of death appeared to be gun shots, McKnight said. He said the incident may be a murder-suicide, but that the scene and the incident continue to be investigated by the S.C. Law Enforcement Division and the sheriff’s office.

"The bodies of the two men are being sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for autopsies."

From scnow.com...

Father & Son Pronounced Dead At Scene

"NORTH AUGUSTA, SC — A father and son are dead after a shooting at around 9:30 this morning in North Augusta, SC.

"Samuel Hewitt, 52, is believed to have taken the life of his son, Brandon Hewitt, 21, before taking his own life in what is suspected to be a murder suicide following a family dispute, according to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

"They were both pronounced dead at their home on Woodvine Drive.

"The mother was not home during the shooting but discovered the bodies upon returning home.

"The autopsy is scheduled for Monday morning in Newberry.

"The shooting is still under investigation."

From WLTX...

Family Of Four Found Dead In Home

"IRMO, SC — A husband, wife and their two young children are dead following an apparent murder/suicide near Irmo, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

"The four were found Wednesday morning after police were called around 10:30 to the home at 1 Forest Walk Court in the Riverwalk neighborhood off Broad River Road.

"The children were discovered in their individual bedrooms, and the two adults were found together in their bedroom, said Sgt. Curtis Wilson, spokesman for Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Each of the four was shot in the upper body, he said.

"A handgun was found near the father, Wilson said. The sheriff’s department’s initial assessment is that the incident was a domestic situation. Wilson said authorities would investigate whether any previous domestic violence calls had been made to the house.

"The man’s mother had not heard from her son in a couple of days, went to the house, discovered the bodies and called authorities, Wilson said.

"Neither the sheriff’s department nor the Richland County Coroner’s Office would identify the victims. But Richland County property records show the house is owned by Sheddrick and Kia Miller, who bought the home in 2012.

"Wilson said authorities are working to determine when the four were killed."

From The State...

Shooter On Life Support, Victim Stable

"WINNSBORO, SC — Authorities in Fairfield County say a double-shooting on Sunday was an attempted murder/suicide.

"Fairfield County Chief Deputy Keith Lewis said the incident happened around 2:15 p.m. at a home on 688 Old Chester Road in Winnsboro.

"Lewis says 25-year-old Brittany Scott was able to run to her neighbor's house after being shot twice in the arm by her live-in boyfriend, 25-year-old Avery Markey Caldwell.

"Investigators say Caldwell shot Scott as she was trying to leave the home.

"`They did have a domestic argument yesterday. Apparently she wanted to leave. He got upset with her wanting to leave. It appears that he shot at her three times, hitting her twice and then he went in the bedroom, reloaded the gun and put the gun to himself,` said Lewis.

"Minnie Gibbs says she just got home from church when Scott, her neighbor, showed up shot at her front door.

"`When I opened the door, she kinda fell but I caught her, before she fell in the house,` said Scott. `I tried to sit her in the chair and she slid out the chair and she fell on the porch.`

"Scott is in stable condition in an area hospital.

"Lewis said Caldwell was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains on life support."

From wistv.com...

Bodies Found Days After Christmas Shooting

"NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — The Dorchester County Coroner announced on Tuesday that two people who were found dead Monday night in a Dorchester Manor Boulevard home was the result of a murder/suicide.

"Coroner Chris Nisbet identified the deceased as 32-year-old male Du Xuan Dao, and 27-year-old female Thuy Mong Doan.

"The coroner says they both died of single gunshot wounds to the head on Christmas Day.

"Investigators believe Dao killed Doan and then shot himself.

"According to deputies with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, the two bodies were discovered after authorities were contacted to complete a welfare check around 6 p.m. Monday.

"When deputies arrived at the home, which is located in the 300 block of Dorchester Manor Boulevard, the two people were found deceased around 6 p.m."

From live5news.com...

Elderly Couple Had Health Issues

"ROCK HILL, SC — A former chairwoman of Winthrop University’s Board of Trustees died Monday after investigators say her husband shot her and then shot himself at their Rock Hill home.

"James Martin, 91, and his wife, Mary Jean Martin, 81, were pronounced dead at about 8:30 a.m. at their home in the Huntington Place neighborhood off Herlong Avenue, York County Coroner Sabrina Gast said. They had been married for 14 years and had no children together.

"Gast called the deaths a murder/suicide.

"On Tuesday, autopsy results showed that James and Mary Martin died as a result of gunshot wounds, Gast said.

"Police were called to the Martin house at about 8 a.m. after a caregiver found the couple, said Executive Officer Mark Bollinger, spokesman for the Rock Hill Police Department. The door to the house at 1662 Huntcliff Drive was locked, he said, and police don’t believe anyone else was involved in the shootings.

"Gast said James Martin left behind a note of instructions, telling whoever found the couple what family members to call. The note was not addressed to a specific person.

"Investigators plan to submit forensic evidence to the State Law Enforcement Division, Bollinger said.

"Both James and Mary Martin had been in failing health, Bollinger said."

Read more at The State...

Shooter Confesses To Brother Before Killing Himself

"HODGES, SC — Early Tuesday morning, 41-year-old Felicia Yvette Rayford was found dead in her 2906 Nation Road home in Hodges just before 12:45 a.m. She was found lying in her living room floor. Greenwood coroner Sonny Cox stated she had been shot at least one time.

"Charles Ray Belcher, Sr., age 46, was found about the same time at his home at 234 Devore Road in Donalds. According to The Index Journal, Coroner Ronnie Ashley identified Belcher and stated he died of a gunshot wound to the chest. This contradicts the news story covered by WYFF4, who reported Belcher committed suicide with a gunshot to the head.

"Officials from Greenwood and Abbeville believe the incidents are related. Belcher made a phone call to his brother stating he had killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself. Belcher then called a female friend, who contacted authorities.

"It appears Belcher went to Yvette Rayford's home, shot her, and then returned home and took his own life.

"State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office are working on Belcher's case, and the Violent Crimes Task Force continues to investigate the Hodges murder.

"So far there has been no motive released for the shooting. It's believed Yvette and Belcher were in a relationship."

Source: examiner.com...

Killer Of Five Was Facing Prison Time

"GREENWOOD, SC — The alleged gunman in the horrific shooting at a Greenwood Co. home posted on Facebook that he was `about to lose it` just days before the incident.

"In a posting on Oct. 9, Bryan Sweatt wrote `...i just want someone to talk to and be here with me so bad im just about to get in the truck and ram it in the biggest...pole i can find nobody gives a **** about me...`

"He went on to say `ive ask for someone to be here for me to take my mind off doing something stupid to hurt myself...`

"In a post dated Oct. 20, just nine days before the shooting, Sweatt wrote about his ongoing legal problems. `i hope tha best but i no im gone for a long time i just hope this judge dont slap me with a whole 45years...` Sweatt wrote.

"Sweatt was most recently arrested for burglary in the early part of 2013 and he was facing a significant amount of time in prison, according to the sheriff.

"Deputies said Sweatt killed three adults and two children along with himself in a murder/suicide at a home off Callison Highway Tuesday. They said Sweatt called 911 to warn them he was planning on `hurting himself` moments before shots were fired.

"While officers were on the way to the scene, according to Greenwood County sheriff's spokesperson John Long, they received notice from the 911 center that a neighbor called and said two children from the home arrived at the neighbor's doorstep saying someone had fired shots.

"After several unsuccessful attempts to communicate with Sweatt, SWAT teams went into the home and discovered the six dead. Long said they believe the incident resulted from a domestic dispute. "

Read more at FOX Carolina...

Authorities Suspect Murder/Suicide While Waiting For Coroner's Report

"SALUDA, SC — Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people discovered inside a home in Saluda County over the weekend.

"Saluda County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Chris Cockrell said deputies responded to a home on Berry Drive Sunday afternoon after a man found his sister's body and called police.

"The victims, who both had gunshot wounds, are believed to be boyfriend and girlfriend, according to Cockrell. The home where the bodies were found belonged to the man.

"Cockrell said investigators are considering the incident to be murder/suicide, but did not say who may have pulled the trigger. The coroner's office has not yet determined how the man and woman died.

"The man was in his late 60's and the woman was in her early 60's, Cockrell said. The sheriff's office has not released their names.

"Berry Drive is located in the Hollywood community of Saluda County.

"The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the investigation."

From wistv.com...

Death At The Bingo Hall

"CONWAY, SC — A Conway man and his estranged girlfriend are dead after a shooting late Saturday at a bingo hall.

"Richard Register, 41, and Ebony Parson, both of Conway, were pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting which occurred about 10:47 p.m., according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Darris Fowler. He said each died from a gunshot wound.

"The incident happened at Mill Pond Bingo located at 1410 Millpond Road in Conway, said Lt. Selena Small of the Conway Police Department.

"She said officers responded to a call about someone being shot inside the bingo business.

"When officers arrived, they found the man and woman shot inside. She declined to say where on their bodies the were shot, or identify the type of gun used. Investigators learned from witnesses that Register shot Parson, who police said was his estranged girlfriend, then turned the gun on himself, according to Small.

"Police have not release a motive for the shooting. Small said several witnesses were at the business at the time of the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing."

From myrtlebeachonline.com...

One Dead, One In Serious Condition After Argument In Vehicle

"BELTON, SC — The shooting death of a woman and gunshot wound to a man Wednesday in Belton was ruled a murder/attempted suicide, an Anderson County sheriff’s spokeswoman said.

"Spokesman Tommy Clamp said a man and woman were arguing in the parking lot of Cheers and Spritz, 301 Anderson St., which is a nightclub.

"He said that the couple were involved in a `domestic argument` while in a vehicle.

"Both suffered head wounds, authorities said.

"Theresa Lee Scott Williams, 47, died, said Greg Shore, the Anderson County Coroner.

"She was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:15 a.m., he said. An autopsy showed Williams died of a single gunshot wound to the head, Shore said.

"A man believed to be in the car with Williams was being treated at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson for a gunshot wound to the head, Major said.

"His condition was serious, but he is expected to recover, he said.

"The man has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm, Clamp said."

From greenvilleonline.com...

2 Dead, 2 Injured In Family Altercation

"LEXINGTON, SC — A man and his nephew were killed Sunday in what Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies think is an apparent murder/suicide.

"Investigators have accused 23-year-old Phillip Brierly Jr. of stabbing his uncle, 60-year-old Dennis Twiddy, multiple times in the back with a 6-inch knife at the 112 Lantern Hill Circle home where the two men lived along with some other family members, according to Lexington County Sheriff James Metts.

"Twiddy yelled that he was being stabbed and other family members home at the time came to the 60-year-old’s bedroom.

"Brierly, also armed with a .38-caliber Rossi handgun, pointed it at the relatives in the living room. Then, he shot his father in the shoulder as the man grabbed the handgun’s barrel. Brierly’s brother-in-law also suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand’s middle finger.

"After the shooting his father and brother-in-law, Brierly went into a laundry room and shot himself in the head, Metts said."

From The State...

Out On Bail Man Kills Girlfriend, Self

"NORTH CHARLESTON, NC — A 26-year-old man who authorities say shot and killed a 34-year-old woman before taking his own life Tuesday morning was released from jail last month for allegedly assaulting the woman earlier this year.

"Peter Centil Williams was charged last month with second-degree criminal domestic violence in connection with an incident that happened in February where he is accused of punching Zakiya Lawson in the face.

"According to a police report, Williams was picked up on May 16 at the Berkeley County Jail, where he was locked up on another charge, and served an arrest warrant for criminal domestic violence.

"Court records state Williams was given a bond of $25,000 on May 17.

"Coroner Chris Nisbet said Williams shot and killed Lawson before he turned the gun on himself and took his own life Tuesday morning.

"According to North Charleston police spokesman Spencer Pryor, police responded to a home in the 4600 block of Thoroughbred Drive around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance between Williams and Lawson, who both live at the home.

"Once at the scene, Pryor said officers were able to clear several people from inside of the residence.

"Nisbet said Lawson was running in and out of the door, shouting that "he had a gun." Nisbet said officers tried to get Lawson to say outside, but she kept going back in. Officers were also trying to call him out of the residence, according to the coroner.

"The female went back in once more, and when the officers were getting ready to breach the door, shots were heard from inside the home, according to Nisbet.

"Once inside, officers located Williams and Lawson.

"Nisbet said Lawson leaves behind seven children, five of whom were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

"The couple was not married, according to the coroner."

From live5news.com...

Bodies Found Weeks After Murder/Suicide

"GAFFNEY, SC — Autopsies confirm that a Gaffney couple found dead Friday afternoon died from gunshot wounds in an apparent murder-suicide.

"Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said James Truman Smith, 74, and his 69 year old wife, Doris Marlene Smith, 69, sustained single gunshot wounds to the head.

"The Smiths were found lying in the driveway of their rural home on Dry Fork Road about 3:50 p.m. by a man who had come over to get some large rocks, Fowler said, in a written statement Sunday.

"`Based on my investigation, autopsy results and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office investigation, I have ruled Mrs. Smith's death a homicide and Mr. Smith's death a suicide,` Fowler said.

"The couple died sometime between April 24 and 26.

"`Mr. Smith shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself,` Fowler said. `This is a most tragic event for which we will never know exactly what led up to the fatal shootings.`"

From GoUpstate.com...