After all, someone won’t go fishing.
Police believe that a Trenton man murdered his girlfriend, but he died before he could enjoy his time alone.
Joseph Anthony McKinnon (60), was found dead in his backyard, just feet from a pit that contained the body of his 65-year-old girlfriend, Patrica Ruth.
South Carolina Man Found Dead in Backyard After Having Heart Attack While Burying Girlfriend He Strangled, Police Say #SmartNews https://t.co/5FuljnWIqX
— Ross Bearden (@RossBearden4) May 12, 2022
McKinnon was found motionless in McKinnon’s backyard by neighbors. Police were called to McKinnon’s house. He was found dead by police, but there were no signs of struggle. Police discovered Dent’s body in a newly dug pit. They were bound and wrapped in plastic bags.
According to autopsies, Dent was strangled and McKinnon suffered a heart attack. Police believe McKinnon murdered Dent while she was buried.
McKinnon is believed to have dug the hole just a day before the couple was found dead.
Police issued a statement: Saturday morning saw Deputies, Edgefield County Coroner’s Office and Edgefield County EMS respond to a call from a man who was unresponsive in his yard. Joseph Anthony McKinnon (60), was found dead in his yard.
McKinnon was not traumatized and the natural causes were suspected. A second body was found in a newly dug pit while investigating the death and notifying the next of kin. Patricia Ruth Dent (65), of the same address, appeared to have died from foul play.
McKinnon was shocked by Pam Briggs, McKinnon’s twin sister.
“I’m shocked”. Briggs said that she didn’t expect any of this. “This is reality and it is life. A large part of me has been lost and I will have to accept that.”
