Double murder suspect Christopher Minor, 50, of Mauldin, was found deceased at Baker Creek State Park in McCormick County, SC Sunday morning with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Park Rangers found Minor’s vehicle unoccupied, and after searching the area, found Minor laying by Lake Thurmond deceased. The Mauldin Police Department received notification from the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office that Minor had been located at 10:14 a.m.
Minor was wanted for the murder of 41-year-old Mariellen Bessent Minor, his estranged wife, and 52-year-old Kim Melissa Thrift, Mariellen Minor’s friend, at the Arbors at Brookfield Apartments on Saturday evening. Christopher Minor was a resident of the Arbors and Mariellen Minor and Thrift were there to pick up the Minors’ two children.
Mauldin Police were called to the Arbors at approximately 6 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Thrift and Mariellen Minor deceased. Thrift was found inside of a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, while Mariellen Minor was found laying beside the vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds.
After conducting an investigation, officers obtained warrants for Christopher Minor’s arrest on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Christopher Minor had fled the scene and the Mauldin Police Department issued a BOLO for him.
Police are encouraging anyone who may be involved in a domestic violence situation to contact local law enforcement so they can receive assistance.
