Double murder suspect found dead in Baker Creek State Park

MCCORMICK COUNTY, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The McCormick County Sheriff’s Office confirms the body of a murder suspect was found at Baker Creek State Park.

On Sunday, March 24, the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office reposted to their Facebook an update saying the body and vehicle of Christopher Minor were found at Baker Creek State Park.

Park Rangers found Minor’s vehicle unoccupied, and after searching the area, found him lying by Lake Thurmond deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to our sister station in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Mauldin Police Department says Minor was facing two counts of murder charges and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent act.

According to officials, 41-year-old Mariellen Bessent Minor, and her friend, 52-year-old Kim Melissa Thrift, went to the Arbors at Brookfield Apartments to pick Minor’s kids around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

When the pair arrived, Minor’s estranged husband, 50-year-old Christopher Minor, shot both of the women.

The Mauldin Police Chief said the shooting took place in front of people, including minors, but it is unknown if Minor’s children were present during the incident.

Now, in the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office Facebook re-post, it says Minor’s body was found next to his Cadillac SUV Sunday morning.

The Mauldin Police Chief said Mariellen Minor was found with multiple gunshots, while Thrift was found dead inside the vehicle.

Multiple people also had cell phones out while the shooting occurred. Police confiscated the video that was taken, officials say.

The Mauldin Police Department said a brother-in-law had “begged” Mariellen Minor to report the domestic violence she had allegedly been experiencing.

“[Kim Thrift] came with her to make sure everything was going to be okay,” the police chief said.

Police are encouraging anyone who may be involved in a domestic violence situation to local law enforcement so they can receive assistance.

“If you’re a victim of domestic violence, I’m begging you to report it so that we can assist you and try and keep this from happening,” Mauldin’s Police Chief said.

While this is a developing story across multiple parts of South Carolina, stick with News 12/26 as we work to learn more about this incident.

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