Silent Witness Ceremony Honored 2016 Victims of Fatal Domestic Violence

(Columbia, SC) – October 3, 2017 Attorney General Alan Wilson led participants through the 20th annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony that was held today on the south steps of the State House in Columbia.

During the solemn ceremony, Attorney General Wilson called the names of 34 women and five men from across the state who lost their lives as the result of domestic violence in the previous year.

Victims’ family members, friends, or volunteers carried a life-sized silhouette representing the victim to the State House steps as a bell was rung for each victim. An additional 40th silhouette represented the potential unknown victims.

“On this 20th anniversary of the Silent Witness ceremony, we pause to remember the women and men whose lives were cut short due to this senseless crime,” Wilson said.

“The effects of domestic violence are felt by families and loved ones for generations. We look forward to the day when this ceremony is no longer necessary,” Wilson said.

Domestic violence survivors, officials and victims’ advocates made special remarks to highlight the problem of violence against women.

Based on the most recent When Men Murder Women report, using data from 2015, South Carolina ranks 5th in the nation for women murdered by men, the same status as last year. The Violence Policy Center has published that report annually for 20 years. During that period, the nationwide rate of women murdered by men in single victim/single offender incidents has dropped 29 percent—from 1.57 per 100,000 people in 1996 to 1.12 per 100,000 in 2015.

A statistical breakdown for each county is available at http://www.scag.gov/criminal-domestic-violence-in-south-carolina.

2016 SILENT WITNESS VICTIMS

Christie

Stutler

31 years old

Abbeville County

Christie Stutler was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Charles Tillman, in their home November 8, 2016. Ms. Stutler was found in her bed with a gunshot wound. Mr. Tillman told police that Ms. Stutler died by suicide with a rifle, with no fingerprints, he reported was in the nearby residence of his mother. Ms. Stutler is survived by her two children.

The trial of Mr. Tillman is pending for charges of murder.

Wendy

Bogard

58 years old

Aiken County

Wendy Bogard was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, William Bodie, March 18, 2016. Mr. Bodie called witnesses to state, “Things have gotten real bad between me and Wendy. I shot Wendy and am about to shoot myself.” Mr. Bodie subsequently died by suicide before first responders arrived on scene. Ms. Bogard is survived by her adult daughter.

Sheryl

Stone

48 years old

Aiken County

Sheryl Stone was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Howard Boyd, in his home on September 27, 2016. Mr. Boyd died by suicide several days after murdering Ms. Stone. Law enforcement found the bodies during a well check of the home based on a complaint. Ms. Stone is survived by her two parents and four siblings.

Takeshia

Jamison

39 years old

Anderson County

Takeshia Jamison was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Jean Cesar, at their home on October 14, 2016. Mr. Cesar was angry over Ms. Jamison’s upcoming work relocation to Germany. Ms. Jamison was alive when responding law enforcement arrived on scene and told officers, “He shot me.” Mr. Cesar died by suicide shortly after shooting Ms. Jamison. Ms. Jamison died at the hospital due to the severity of the injury. Ms. Jamison is survived by her parents and daughter.

Ronnie

Selvey

60 years old

Anderson County

Ronnie Selvey was shot and killed by his wife, Janet Selvey, on November 28, 2016. Ms. Selvey admitted when officers arrived on the scene to shooting Mr. Selvey. Mr. Selvey was the Assistant Manager at Big Creek Hammond Water Company and is survived by his mother and siblings.

The trial of Ms. Selvey is pending for a murder charge.

Janice “Nette”

Jamison

46 years old

Barnwell County

Janice Jamison was beaten to death by her live-in boyfriend, Phillip Hay, on March 12, 2016. Ms. Jamison asked others in the residence to call police because she could not breathe due to Phillip’s physical violence toward her. Ms. Jamison is survived by her grandchildren, mother, and daughter.

The trial of Mr. Hay is pending for murder.

Eulia “Lee Lee”

Moon

47 years old

Beaufort County

Eulia Moon was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Jamie Robinson, in a truck on October 29, 2016. Ms. Moon and Mr. Robinson had a two year history of arguing while living together. Ms. Moon is survived by her four sons and daughter.

The trial of Mr. Robinson is pending for murder.

Shonda

Davis

38 years old

Berkeley County

Shonda Davis was stabbed to death by her live-in boyfriend, Edward Nelson, near their home on October 15, 2016. Ms. Davis reported to family members a history of abuse by Mr. Nelson. Ms. Davis is survived by her mother, sister and son.

The trial of Mr. Nelson is pending for murder.

Vanessa

Hilton

40 years old

Berkeley County

Vanessa Hilton was beaten to death by her husband, Shon Hilton, in their home on September 20, 2016. Ms. Hilton is survived by her mother, daughter and son-in-law.

The trial of Mr. Hilton is currently pending for murder.

Melanie

Rivera

39 years old

Berkeley County

Melanie Rivera was strangled to death by her live-in boyfriend, Michael Strait, Jr., in their apartment on November 8, 2016. Ms. Rivera confronted Mr. Strait about phone messages indicating an affair. Ms. Rivera is survived by her mother, sister, brother-in-law and nephews.

The trial of Mr. Strait is pending for a murder.

Deborah

Rogers

50 years old

Berkeley County

Deborah Rogers was killed with a knife by her live-in boyfriend, Alex Schaffer, on November 15, 2016. Mr. Schaffer subsequently attempted suicide and died at the hospital of self-inflicted injuries. Ms. Rogers was an animal lover and is survived by her father.

Quadeedrah

Clinton

38 years old

Charleston County

Quadeedrah Clinton was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Bernard Mackey, on December 30, 2016. There were at least five domestic disputes that police responded to in the months leading to Ms. Clinton’s death. Ms. Clinton is survived by her mother and five children.

The trial of Mr. Mackey is pending for murder.

Ternetha

Bennett

51 years old

Chesterfield County

Ternetha Bennett was a missing person for several days before she was found on August 16, 2016. William Grant argued with his live-in girlfriend, Ms. Bennett, and was seen on surveillance discarding evidence. Mr. Grant drowned himself after Ms. Bennett’s body was found.

Melanie

Weaver

61 years old

Dorchester County

Melanie Weaver was shot and killed by her husband, James Weaver, in their home on April 14, 2016. Mr. Weaver’s daughter brought him to the home to retrieve his belongings. Mrs. Weaver attempted to deny Mr. Weaver entrance to the home by shutting the door and he responded by trying to force entry. He then shot Ms. Weaver and subsequently died by suicide with the same firearm. Ms. Weaver is survived by her brother, four sisters, daughter, two sons, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Tomena

Ford

33 years old

Florence County

Tomena Ford, with her unborn child, was shot and killed by the father of the baby and live-in boyfriend, Darkel Foreman, on May 26, 2017. Mr. Foreman dialed 911 to report that he and Ms. Ford were having an argument in their home when the murder occurred. Ms. Ford was six months pregnant at the time of her death. Ms. Ford attended Aimwell Missionary Baptist Church and sang in the gospel choir. Ms. Ford is survived by her parents, two sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.

The trial of Mr. Foreman is pending for two counts of murder.

Sherilyn

Joseph

24 years old

Florence County

Sherilyn Joseph was shot and killed by her former live-in boyfriend, Royal Williams III, on January 23, 2016. Sherilyn Joseph’s family remembers her as always very sincere and caring. She had a gift for the care of children starting with delivering her baby sister at a young age and continuing with the birth of her miracle son. Ms. Joseph is survived by her grandparents, parents, siblings, and son, Isaiah.

Mr. Williams is currently serving six years for involuntary manslaughter and arson. Trial is pending for the murder of Ms. Joseph.

Catherine “Cati”

Blauvelt

22 years old

Greenville County

Catherine Blauvelt was stabbed and killed by her estranged husband, John Blauvelt, on October 24, 2016. Ms. Blauvelt served in the United States Army and was a lover of animals. Ms. Blauvelt is survived by her grandfather, parents, and five sisters

Mr. Blauvelt fled the state. There is an active warrant out for his arrest for murder.

Deborah

Winkler

61 years old

Greenville County

Deborah Winkler was shot and killed by her husband, Glen Winkler, on September 27, 2016. Mr. Winkler then shot himself and died from the self-inflicted injury. Mrs. Winkler is survived by her son.

Kristina

Burroughs

40 years old

Horry County

Kristina Burroughs was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Keith Davis, on October 1, 2016. Mr. Davis then shot and killed her two-year-old and 10-month old nieces and died by suicide. Ms. Burroughs was a member of Salem AME Church. Ms. Burroughs is survived by her mother, sister, two brothers, young daughter, two nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Shannon

Ditillio

22 years old

Horry County

Shannon Ditillio was lured to South Carolina from New York, where she was shot and killed by Christopher Kalb, on April 11, 2016. Ms. Ditillio was six months pregnant at the time of her death and Mr. Kalb is also the father of their three-year-old daughter. Ms. Ditillio was creative, carefree and loved to draw. Ms. Ditillio is survived by her mother, father, stepmother, siblings, half-siblings and daughter.

Mr. Kalb was found guilty for the murder of Ms. Ditillio and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Candis

Steere

34 years old

Horry County

Candis Steere was shot and killed by her husband, John Steere, on April 11, 2016. Mr. Steere died by suicide after taking the life of Mrs. Steer. Mrs. Steere was a pharmacist and a lover of animals. Mrs. Steere is survived by her grandmother, mother, father, stepfather, and pets.

Mary Sotelo

Casillas

25 years old

Jasper County

Ms. Sotelo Casillas was strangled to death by her live-in boyfriend, Samuel Gonzalez, on August 8, 2016. She is survived by her mother, sister, and five-year-old son, three-year-old son, and three-month-old daughter.

The trial of Mr. Gonzalez is pending for murder.

Michelle

Passio

33 years old

Jasper County

Michelle Passio was shot and killed by her husband, Richard Passio, Jr., on June 3, 2016. Mrs. Passio is remembered as having a generous heart and a big smile. Mrs. Passio is survived by her five sons, three daughters, parents, two brothers and one sister.

The trial of Mr. Passio is pending for murder.

Persis

Prescott

31 years old

Kershaw County

Persis Prescott was shot to death by her live-in boyfriend, Therine McKeever, after an argument on May 29, 2016. Ms. Prescott is survived by her child.

The trial of Mr. McKeever is pending for murder.

Shana

Prophet

28 years old

Laurens County

Shana Prophet was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Ronald Davis, on July 3, 2016. Ms. Prophet was raised in Bamberg County where she attended public schools. As an adult, Ms. Prophet was employed by a manufacturing company in Denmark, SC. Ms. Prophet is survived by her maternal grandmother, paternal grandmother, mother, two sisters, four brothers and son.

The trial of Mr. Davis is pending for murder.

Kendra

Grooms

21 years old

Lee County

Kendra Grooms was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Malcom Holloman, on March 5, 2016. Ms. Grooms graduated from Dreher High School, class of 2014, and was studying to become a Patient Care Technician. Ms. Grooms is survived by her mother, three brothers, one sister, and two young sons.

Mr. Holloman shot himself two times after shooting Ms. Grooms and was ruled incompetent to stand trial because of his mental status resulting from the self-inflicted injuries.

Brenda

Slater

60 years old

Lee County

Brenda Slater was shot and killed by her husband, James Slater, Sr., on March 15, 2016. Ms. Slater is survived by her two daughters and son.

Mr. Slater pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Michael

Bryan

55 years old

Lexington County

Michael Bryan was shot and killed by his wife, Kimberly Groh, on November 30, 2016. Mr. Bryan was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Bryan is survived by his mother, sister, sons and granddaughter.

The trial of Ms. Groh is pending for a murder.

Lillie

Thompson

70 years old

Lexington County

Lillie Thompson was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Leonard Williams, on April 2, 2016. Mr. Williams died by suicide after shooting Ms. Thompson.

Ms. Thompson had careers in sales and health care and spent her time volunteering. Ms. Thompson is survived by her first husband, six sisters, brother, two daughters, three sons- in-law and 16 grandchildren.

Gale

Davis

59 years old

Marion County

Gale Davis was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Todd White, on April 8, 2016. Mr. White had a history of domestic violence prior to the death of Ms. Davis.

Mr. White was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Daniel

Aiken

58 years old

Orangeburg County

Daniel Aiken was stabbed to death by his live-in girlfriend, Dorene Huggins, on April 27, 2016. Mr. Aiken is survived by his daughter and son.

The trial of Ms. Huggins is pending for murder.

Harold

Arnold

49 years old

Pickens County

Harold Arnold was shot and killed by his wife, Rebecca Easterling, on March 18, 2016. Mr. Arnold’s death was staged as a suicide.

The trial for Ms. Easterling is pending for murder.

Matthew

Mickelboro

33 years old

Pickens County

Matthew Mickelboro was stabbed to death by his wife, Samantha Pardew-Lingwai, on November 17, 2016. Law enforcement responded to a domestic dispute in front of the children present in their home. Mr. Mickelboro is survived by his three children.

The trial of Ms. Pardew-Lingwai is pending for murder.

Danielle

Colburn-Govan

46 years old

Richland County

Danielle Colburn-Govan was shot and killed by her husband, Anton Govan, on November 11, 2016. Mr. Govan subsequently shot and killed himself. Ms. Colburn-Govan was a nurse and is remembered for her caregiving. Ms. Colburn-Govan is survived by her mother and daughter.

Magaiteh

Dolo

24 years old

Richland County

Magaiteh Dolo and her father were shot multiple times and killed by her former live-in boyfriend, Willie Wilson, on August 27, 2016. Ms. Dolo attended Midlands Technical College and worked at her father’s businesses. She is survived by her mother, two sisters, two brothers, nieces and nephews.

The trial of Mr. Wilson is pending for double homicide, burglary and armed robbery.

Charrell

Ulickey

56 years old

Richland County

Charrell Ulickey was strangled to death by her ex-husband, Steven Ulickey, on September 3, 2016. Mr. Ulickey had been arrested twice during their marriage for Criminal Domestic Violence. Mr. Ulickey died by suicide after killing Mrs. Ulickey.

Stephanie

Wallace

34 years old

Richland County

Stephanie Wallace was shot to death by her estranged husband, Keith Wallace, on February 17, 2016. Mr. Wallace died by suicide after killing his wife. Mrs. Wallace is survived by her mother and child.

Dawn

Harper Allen

44 years old

Spartanburg County

Dawn Harper Allen was beaten and stabbed to death by her live-in boyfriend, Rodney Baker, between the dates of March 18-25, 2016. Ms. Harper Allen is survived by her three sons.

The trial of Mr. Baker is pending for murder.

Tiffany

Cartee

31 years old

Spartanburg County

Tiffany Cartee was shot and killed by her live-in boyfriend, Jefferson Perry, on December 22, 2016. Ms. Cartee was the daughter of a local Fire Chief. Ms. Cartee is survived by her parents and two daughters.

The trial of Mr. Perry is pending for murder.

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Domestic violence affects us all.

Domestic violence cuts across gender, race, and ethnicity. People in every socioeconomic status experience this type of violence. Domestic violence victims are all around us: in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and our places of worship.

Therefore, let us have a moment of silence to remember those victims of whom we are unaware.