South Carolina couple faces charges for murder

A married couple living in Kershaw County was taken into custody on Oct. 19 on murder charges. The case involves a 34-year-old man who disappeared in December 2016. The last time the man was seen, he was leaving a friend’s house. The victim’s disappearance was reported on Jan. 4, 2017, after he failed to go to work.

On March 8, 2017, the sheriff’s department received an anonymous letter with GPS coordinates that led them to the man’s body. The husband and wife taken into custody were initially identified as people of interest in the case. An extensive investigation led to the authorization of warrants to detain the couple.

The 38-year-old man in the case has been taken into custody in the past for DUI, assault of a high and aggravated nature, simple assault, possession of marijuana, public disorderly conduct and manufacturing drugs. His 30-year-old wife has no previous charges.

Someone who is facing charges for violent crimes may want to talk to an attorney about the situation. The proper defense strategy will depend on the specifics of the case and the evidence. For example, eyewitness evidence may be unreliable. An attorney might also question how forensic evidence was handled. There could be disagreement in court over the interpretation of evidence. If the evidence is strong and acquittal seems unlikely, a defendant might also have the option of a plea bargain. With a plea bargain, a person does not go to trial but pleads guilty. This may be for lesser charges and could result in a lighter sentence.