An 18-year-old girl who just recently graduated from high school was found dead after failing to show up for work one day. MyAngel Walker worked at a NHC Healthcare facility in Clinton, South Carolina, and wanted to be a nurse, WYFF reported.
After her family reported her missing on December 12, she was found dead in a car. Later, two teenagers were arrested in connection with her death.
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Investigators realized this was more than just a missing persons case.
The Laurens Police Department and the Clinton Police Department conducted a joint investigation. “We went several different places, coming to Clinton and areas in the county, just searching for last known whereabouts,” said Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland, according to WYFF. “It became apparent during the night that we were looking for something a little more than just somebody missing.”
The following morning, Greenwood County sheriff’s deputies found the 18-year-old’s body in a burned vehicle.
Investigators believe Malachi Pressley, 19, shot the 18-year-old.
Pressley allegedly killed Walker using a firearm on December 11, between 10 and 11 p.m., FOX Carolina reported. Pressley has been arrested and faces murder and weapon possession charges.
According to WYFF, police have not yet commented on whether Walker and Pressley knew each other. Walker’s mother, Sade Woodruff, however, described Pressley as Walker’s “on-and-off again boyfriend,” per FOX Carolina.
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Another person has been arrested in connection with the teen's death.
Taylor Kinard, 19, has been charged with accessory after the fact. Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison said Kinard “had knowledge of it and she helped,” WHNS reported. Both Pressley and Kinard were denied bond.
People have described MyAngel Walker as 'a very bright young lady with a very good heart.'
The Laurens police chief described the murder as “a tragedy that should not happen.” Copeland also said he’s heard that Walker “was a very bright young lady with a very good heart.”
Alongside the Clinton Police Department, several agencies continue to investigate Walker’s death.
“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, per FOX Carolina.
Walker's mother has also commented.
Though investigators identified and arrested Pressley and Kinard quickly, the arrests don’t change the fact that Walker’s mom lost her daughter. “We lost a great person. We lost an amazing person, a leader,” she told WYFF.
She also encouraged people to speak up and seek help if they faced any issues of domestic violence.
“Anybody that’s going through any type of domestic dispute, being abused, anything, get away,” she said, according to FOX Carolina. “If you are able, get away.”
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter (domesticshelters.org).
