MCCORMICK COUNTY, SC – A man from South Carolina, suspected of killing his estranged wife and her friend, was discovered dead on Sunday, authorities confirmed.
Christopher Minor, 50, was located lifeless at Baker Creek State Park in McCormick County, the result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by the Mauldin Police Department. Park Rangers initially found Minor’s vehicle empty, which prompted a search of the surrounding area. Minor’s body was eventually discovered near Lake Thurmond.
Authorities had suspected Minor of shooting his estranged wife, Mariellen Bessent Minor, 41, and her friend, Kim Melissa Thrift, 52, on Saturday evening. The women had arrived at the Arbors at Brookfield Apartments to pick up the children shared by the Minors when an altercation occurred. Minor allegedly shot and killed both women.
Thrift had joined Mariellen Minor during the visit for safety purposes, officials stated.
Mauldin Police Chief George Miller reported that Mariellen Minor was found next to a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, while Thrift was found inside the vehicle they had arrived in. The shooting took place in public, with witnesses present, including potentially the Minor children.
A BOLO warning had been issued for Christopher Minor, who was last seen driving a white Cadillac. He was facing charges of two counts of murder and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in the commission of a violent act.
According to police, a brother-in-law had encouraged Mariellen Minor to report her alleged domestic abuse to authorities. Chief Miller also implored victims of domestic violence to seek help.