CLINTON, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – Investigators are investigating the death of a young girl in South Carolina.
The family of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker reported her missing to Laurens Police Department on Thursday. Walker had not shown up to work that day, which was unusual.
Investigators said they quickly determined her disappearance was suspicious. The investigation extended into Newberry and Greenwood counties.
“It became apparent during the night that we were looking for something a little more than just somebody missing,” Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland said.
Walker’s body ended up being found in a vehicle on Friday near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County.
According to the Clinton Police Department, Malachi Pressley, 19, and Taylor Kinard, 19, have been arrested in connection with Walker’s death.
Authorities said Pressley shot Walker on Wednesday between 10 and 11 p.m. on Gary Street and Kinard helped him dispose of Walker’s body.
Pressley was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Kinard was charged with accessory after the fact.
“She had knowledge of it and she helped,” Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison said.
Pressley and Kinard were both denied bond during a hearing on Saturday morning.
Walker’s mother, Sade Woodruff, said Pressley was her daughter’s on-and-off again boyfriend.
“Anybody that’s going through any type of domestic dispute, being abused, anything, get away. If you are able, get away,” Woodruff said.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the investigation into Walker’s death.
The 18-year-old’s family said she graduated high school earlier this year and wanted to become a nurse.
“Everything I’ve heard of MyAngel has been that she was a very bright young lady with a very good heart,” Copeland said. “This is a tragedy that should not happen. But we’re glad that we were able to get justice for that family really quickly here.”
Police are continuing to conduct interviews and gather evidence in the case.
Anyone with information related to Walker’s death is asked to contact the Clinton Police Department at 864-833-7512.
“The Clinton Police Department along with the supporting agencies extends our deepest, deepest condolences to the family of friends of MyAngel Walker during this difficult time,” Addison said.
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