The Silent Witness Story – 52 South Carolinians Killed by their Intimate Partners in 2011

In 2011, 52 South Carolinians were killed by their intimate partners, 39 women and 13 men. As citizens of this state, we have a responsibility to take a stand against this injustice. Therefore, in 1998 our state joined with more than 40 other states in a mission “to promote peace, healing, and responsibility in adult relationships.”
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Special Honor to Deputy Roger Rice, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, gave his life in defense of a victim of domestic violence

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Lawrence Branham
59 years old
Abbeville County
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Mr. Branham was killed on January 12, 2011.
Stacy Hobson, Mr. Branham’s long-term girlfriend, stabbed him to death in their home. The couple had three minor children together. Ms. Hobson was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and unlawful conduct toward a child. She is currently awaiting trial.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Esther Baldwin
46 years old
Aiken County
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Ms. Baldwin was killed on July 2, 2011.
Kenneth Myers, her former live-in boyfriend, shot and killed Ms. Baldwin in her home just hours after he also killed his wife, her twin sister, and their mother. Mr. Myers had a written “hit list” and intended to kill seven people that day. There was a history of abuse in his relationship with Ms. Baldwin. Mr. Myers led police on a chase and tried to ram their vehicles with his car before committing suicide when the chase ended.
Ms. Baldwin is survived by a daughter.
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Angela Myers
25 years old
Aiken County
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Mrs. Myers was killed on July 2, 2011.
Mrs. Myers’ husband, Kenneth Myers, shot her in the head. He also killed her twin sister and mother with a shotgun during a shooting spree that left his ex-girlfriend, Esther Baldwin, dead in addition. The couple was having marital and financial difficulties prior to the shootings. Mr. Myers committed suicide after leading police on a car chase.
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Pearlie Mae Russell
47 years old
Allendale County
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Ms. Russell was killed on July 1, 2011.
Blane Taylor, Ms. Russell’s live-in boyfriend, admitted to stabbing Ms. Russell in the stomach during an argument, then following her and stabbing her multiple times as she tried to get away from him. Mr. Taylor was arrested and is awaiting trial for murder.
Ms. Russell is survived by a daughter.
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Holly Ford
34 years old
Anderson County
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Ms. Ford was killed on November 17, 2011.
Ms. Ford’s live-in boyfriend, James Metz, shot her in the face during an argument. Mr. Metz had a history of mental health and drug problems. Following the shooting he posted on Facebook that he had just killed his girlfriend. He was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Mr. Metz is currently awaiting trial.
Ms. Ford is survived by two daughters and a son.
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Allison Pinsley
53 years old
Anderson County
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Ms. Pinsley was killed on April 16, 2011.
Mitchell Guigou, Ms. Pinsley’s live-in boyfriend, confessed to hitting her in the head multiple times during an argument at her residence. He then covered her head with a plastic bag and tied her to the bed. Hours later he set the house on fire. Mr. Guigou was arrested and charged with murder and arson. He pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
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Kacy Roberson
22 years old
Anderson County
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Ms. Roberson was killed on January 18, 2011.
Keith Rucker, who had children with Ms. Roberson, beat and strangled her inside her apartment. She was pregnant at the time of her death. Mr. Rucker was arrested and charged with murder, as well as with the death of a child in utero. He is currently awaiting trial.
Ms. Roberson is survived by a son and daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Shalesha Williams
31 years old
Berkeley County
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Mrs. Williams was killed on December 16, 2011.
Mrs. Williams’ husband, Devaughn Williams, stabbed her multiple times in their home. Mrs. Williams’ sister witnessed the attack and went to a neighbor’s house to get help. The couple’s young children were present at the time of the incident. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were having marital problems and may have been trying to separate. Mr. Williams stabbed himself at the scene and later died.
Mrs. Williams is survived by a son and daughter.
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Amanda Black
25 years old
Charleston County
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Mrs. Black was killed on September 8, 2011.
Mrs. Black died from a stab wound to the neck inflicted by her husband, Chesley Black. Mr. Black stabbed her in front of their young children and then stayed in the house with her body another day before taking the children to Mrs. Black’s sister and fleeing Charleston. Mr. Black had a prior history of domestic violence and drug charges. He was arrested and is currently awaiting trial for murder.
Mrs. Black is survived by two daughters.
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Desma Doctor
21 years old
Charleston County
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Ms. Doctor was killed on December 30, 2011.
Kevin Drayton, with whom Ms. Doctor had children, came to her home and shot her during an argument. He also shot and injured her mother when she tried to intervene. Mr. Drayton then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. The couple’s young children were present in the home and witnessed the shootings.
Ms. Doctor is survived by a son and daughter.
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Robin Thomas
55 years old
Cherokee County
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Mrs. Thomas was killed on April 11, 2011.
Mrs. Thomas died from blunt force head injuries inflicted by her husband, Danny Thomas. A relative called police after not hearing from Mrs. Thomas for several days. Her body was discovered in her home when they arrived. Mr. Thomas, who had remained at the home, pointed a gun at responding officers and was shot by a deputy at the scene. He died later at the hospital.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by two daughters.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Foyest Caple, Jr.
51 years old
Chesterfield County
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Mr. Caple was shot on May 4, 2011, and died two days later.
Mr. Caple’s wife, Jacqueline Caple, shot him during an argument at their home. Mr. Caple was taken to the hospital, where he later died. There was a history of domestic violence in the marriage. Mrs. Caple was arrested and charged with murder.
Mr. Caple is survived by two daughters.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Diane Louallen
55 years old
Chesterfield County
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Mrs. Louallen was killed on June 21, 2011.
Barry Louallen called the police to report that he had just shot his wife. When police arrived at the home, Mr. Louallen threatened the responding officer with a gun and was shot by the officer. Mr. Louallen later died at the hospital. Family members said that there was no known history of domestic violence between the two.
Mrs. Louallen is survived by a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Christina Hughes
37 years old
Colleton County
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Mrs. Hughes was killed on January 4, 2011.
Randall Hughes shot his wife in their home. He then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. The couple’s 14-year-old daughter heard gunshots and found her parents’ bodies in their bedroom. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were believed to be in the process of separating when the shootings occurred.
Mrs. Hughes is survived by five daughters and a son.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Barrett Stephenson
35 years old
Edgefield County
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Mr. Stephenson was killed on November 5, 2011.
Lakashia Walker, Mr. Stephenson’s live-in girlfriend, strangled him following an argument. Ms. Walker had numerous prior domestic violence and assault charges and a pending charge of domestic violence against Mr. Stephenson, which included a no-contact order to protect him from her. Ms. Walker was charged with murder and is currently awaiting trial.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Devin Ham
22 years old
Florence County
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Ms. Ham was killed on June 9, 2011.
Ms. Ham’s husband, Rodney Ivey, confessed to killing his wife after her body was found on a roadside days after she went missing. Mr. Ivey admitted to strangling her while they were staying at a motel. The couple had experienced marital problems before Ms. Ham’s death, and Mr. Ivey had a history of domestic abuse and drug use. He was arrested and charged with murder. Mr. Ivey pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Lilia Blandin
38 years old
Greenville County
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Mrs. Blandin was killed on December 10, 2011.
Mrs. Blandin’s husband, Avery Blandin, came to the bank where she worked and began stabbing her in front of co-workers and customers. He stopped only when a bystander hit him with a chair. Mr. Blandin had a history of violence against Mrs. Blandin, and she was trying to leave the marriage. Mr. Blandin fled the bank and was later arrested and charged with murder. He is currently awaiting trial.
Mrs. Blandin is survived by two daughters and a son.
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Angela Carver
40 years old
Greenville County
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Ms. Carver was killed on April 7, 2011.
Ms. Carver died from a gunshot wound to the head inflicted by her live-in boyfriend, James Beheler. Mr. Beheler shot Ms. Carver after an argument. He later committed suicide. A family member found the bodies at their residence after not hearing from Mr. Beheler for several days. The couple had a history of domestic violence in their relationship.
Ms. Carver is survived by three sons.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Allison Cross
26 years old
Greenville County
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Ms. Cross was killed on August 2, 2011.
Ms. Cross’ live-in boyfriend, Michael Crane, beat her and her mother to death at their residence. Police responded to a welfare check at the home and discovered their bodies. Mr. Crane was inside the home at the time and was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. He is currently awaiting trial.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Marsha Smith
51 years old
Greenville County
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Ms. Smith was killed on April 23, 2011.
Ms. Smith was strangled to death by her live-in boyfriend, Nathaniel Beeks. Ms. Smith’s daughter saw Mr. Beeks leaving the apartment after the incident and found her mother unresponsive inside. Mr. Beeks had a history of verbal and physical violence against Ms. Smith. He was charged with murder and is currently awaiting trial.
Ms. Smith is survived by four daughters and a son.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Juan Tafoya-Gonzalez
38 years old
Greenville County
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Mr. Tafoya-Gonzalez was killed on April 29, 2011.
Elvira Seay, his live-in girlfriend, shot Mr. Tafoya-Gonzalez and later dumped his body in a remote area. A friend of Ms. Seay’s reported the murder to police after Ms. Seay asked her to help dispose of the body. Ms. Seay fled South Carolina and was located in New Orleans six months later. She was charged with murder and is currently awaiting trial.
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Yolanda Thurston
53 years old
Greenville County
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Mrs. Thurston was killed on December 4, 2011.
Mrs. Thurston was shot to death by her husband, Jimmy Thurston. Mr. Thurston stated to police that he shot his wife following an argument at their home. He then drove to a remote area and threw away the gun that he used. After returning home, he called 911 to report the shooting. Mr. Thurston was arrested and charged with murder. He committed suicide while awaiting trial.
Mrs. Thurston is survived by two daughters.
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Kaybreisha Timpson
19 years old
Greenwood County
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Ms. Timpson was killed on September 19, 2011.
Adrian Neal shot Ms. Timpson several times. He then pushed her out of the car, left her on the roadway, and drove off with their infant daughter in the back seat. An Amber Alert was issued, and several hours later Mr. Neal turned himself in to police. He was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Mr. Neal pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Ms. Timpson is survived by her daughter.
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Masako Yamaguchi-Miller
34 years old
Hampton County
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Ms. Yamaguchi-Miller was killed on May 26, 2011.
Police were called to her home after Ms. Yamaguchi-Miller failed to show up for work, but they did not find anything out of place. Ms. Yamaguchi-Miller remained missing until her body was discovered by fishermen in a river in Beaufort County a week later. The father of two of her children, Kelvin Jackson, was arrested and charged with her murder. He is currently awaiting trial.
Ms. Yamaguchi-Miller is survived by two sons and a daughter.
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Cheryl Gillespie
53 years old
Horry County
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Ms. Gillespie was killed on March 20, 2011.
Ms. Gillespie’s ex-husband, Gary Gillespie, shot her during an argument he was having with her son at her home. She died at the scene as the result of the gunshot. Mr. Gillespie was arrested and charged with murder, but pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to nine months in prison with credit for time served.
Ms. Gillespie is survived by two sons.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Marsella Lippert
39 years old
Horry County
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Mrs. Lippert was killed on November 21, 2011.
Mrs. Lippert’s husband, James Lippert, assaulted her during an argument at their home before fatally stabbing her. The couple’s children were home at the time, and their 8-year-old daughter called 911 to report the attack. Mr. Lippert was arrested and charged with murder. He is currently awaiting trial.
Mrs. Lippert is survived by two daughters.
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Elizabeth Evans
60 years old
Kershaw County
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Ms. Evans was killed in January of 2011.
Ms. Evans went missing in December of 2010. Her body was found in the woods weeks later, and an autopsy revealed that she died in January from asphyxiation. Her estranged husband, Brian Evans, was arrested and charged with her murder, as well as with the murder of an unrelated man. He is currently awaiting trial on both charges.
Ms. Evans is survived by a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Nancy Stone
40 years old
Kershaw County
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Ms. Stone was killed on November 9, 2011.
Officers responding to a welfare check found Ms. Stone and her estranged husband, Reginald Stone, shot to death at her home. Investigators said that Mr. Stone sent a letter to his sister telling her he was going to kill Ms. Stone and himself. By the time she received the letter and was able to contact authorities, the murder-suicide had already taken place.
Ms. Stone is survived by a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Nicole Kingsborough
38 years old
Laurens County
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Ms. Kingsborough was killed on July 13, 2011.
Ms. Kingsborough was shot in the face outside her office by Bennie Brown, with whom she had a child. When officers went to his home, Mr. Brown also shot and killed Deputy Roger Rice. Mr. Brown had been arrested for a criminal domestic violence charge against Ms. Kingsborough two weeks before her death. He was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and five counts of attempted murder for other shots fired at the scene. He is awaiting trial.
Ms. Kingsborough is survived by a daughter.
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Margaret Constance
52 years old
Lexington County
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Ms. Constance was killed on May 8, 2011.
Ms. Constance’s estranged husband, William Constance, stabbed her 25 times in her home. Officers found her body when they responded to a welfare check after family members could not get in touch with her. Mr. Constance was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently awaiting trial.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Amanda Peake
27 years old
Lexington County
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Ms. Peake was killed on March 15, 2011.
Ms. Peake died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Chancey Smith, her former live-in boyfriend. Mr. Smith was upset over their recent breakup and had been drinking heavily the day of the shootings. A friend called 911 when Mr. Smith took a gun and told him he was going to Ms. Peake’s house, but police arrived after she had been shot. Mr. Smith also shot and killed Ms. Peake’s two children before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Charnel Redden
25 years old
Lexington County
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Ms. Redden was killed on January 24, 2011.
Stacy Wade, Ms. Redden’s former live-in boyfriend, beat her to death in her home. Mr. Wade then dumped her body near a construction site and fled the scene. He turned himself in to authorities several days later. At the time of her death, Mr. Wade was out on bond for charges of criminal sexual conduct and criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature against Ms. Redden. Mr. Wade is awaiting trial for those charges and for murder.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Victoria Tindall
28 years old
Lexington County
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Mrs. Tindall was killed on January 26, 2011.
Mrs. Tindall died from a gunshot wound to the head inflicted by her husband, Brian Tindall. Mr. Tindall called his mother and told her he had killed his wife and was going to kill himself. Deputies discovered both bodies after arriving at the home. The couple had been having marital problems in the weeks leading up to the shootings.
Mrs. Tindall is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Takeyia Easterling
20 years old
Marlboro County
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Ms. Easterling was killed on April 27, 2011.
Vondell Malachi, the father of Ms. Easterling’s child, shot Ms. Easterling at a park. He then took her to a hospital for medical attention. When officers attempted to question him, he led them on a high-speed chase ending at his home, where a 19-hour standoff ensued. Mr. Malachi was later taken into custody by a tactical team and charged with murder. He pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Ms. Easterling is survived by a son.
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John Mayers
43 years old
Newberry County
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Mr. Mayers was killed on May 7, 2011.
Mr. Mayers went missing in early May and his body was discovered in the woods on May 25. Mr. Mayers’ former live-in girlfriend, Mandy Smith, and her roommate met Mr. Mayers in the woods, where Ms. Smith got into an argument with him. She then shot Mr. Mayers. Her roommate later confessed his knowledge of the incident and led officers to the site of the shooting. Ms. Smith and her roommate were both arrested and are awaiting trial for murder.
Mr. Mayers is survived by two sons and two daughters.
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Lynette Glover
21 years old
Orangeburg County
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Ms. Glover was killed on April 1, 2011.
Malcolm Curry shot Ms. Glover to death at his home. The couple had a child together and there was no known history of violence in the relationship. Although Mr. Curry stated to police that his gun went off accidentally when he was removing it from his car, he was arrested and pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Mr. Curry was sentenced to four years in prison.
Ms. Glover is survived by a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Mark Hendricks
52 years old
Pickens County
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Mr. Hendricks was killed on October 14, 2011.
Mr. Hendricks died as the result of a gunshot wound from his ex-wife, Susan Hendricks. Ms. Hendricks also shot and killed their two sons and her stepmother. Investigators believe the motive for the killings was life insurance policies on the victims, for which Ms. Hendricks was listed as the beneficiary. Ms. Hendricks was arrested and charged with four counts of murder and four counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. She is currently awaiting trial.
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Joann Bobo-Hill
25 years old
Richland County
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Ms. Bobo-Hill was killed on July 20, 2011.
Ms. Bobo-Hill was shot to death by Deshon Washington. Deputies responded to a shots fired report and found Ms. Bobo-Hill on a roadside with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers then went to a mobile home where Mr. Washington was holding their two-year-old daughter hostage. Mr. Washington shot and injured their daughter and fired at a deputy before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide.
Ms. Bobo-Hill is survived by her daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Oppie Jackson
33 years old
Richland County
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Mr. Jackson was killed on January 22, 2011.
Mr. Jackson’s live-in girlfriend, Alicia Ziolkowski, shot him in their car at a gas station. She then turned the gun on herself. Mr. Jackson and Ms. Ziolkowski were taken to the hospital, where they later died.
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Henry Jones
22 years old
Richland County
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Mr. Jones was killed on May 15, 2011.
Brithney Goodwin, Mr. Jones’ live-in girlfriend, stabbed him in the chest during an argument at her residence. Mr. Jones died after being taken to the hospital. Ms. Goodwin was arrested and charged with murder. She is currently awaiting trial.
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Amanda Kistler-Jarrard
24 years old
Richland County
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Mrs. Kistler-Jarrard was killed on May 23, 2011.
Joseph Jarrard shot his wife multiple times at their home. He then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. Mr. Jarrard’s mother found both of them unresponsive and called law enforcement. Neighbors of the couple stated that they frequently argued.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Larry Ross
69 years old
Richland County
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Mr. Ross died on May 11, 2011.
Carol Ross, a former nurse, killed her husband of 47 years by giving him an overdose of prescription medications on May 4, 2011. Mr. Ross was a quadruple-amputee and decorated veteran. The couple was arguing that day and Mr. Ross told their 12-year-old daughter that her mother had given him too many pills. Authorities called to the home found him unresponsive and took him to the hospital, where he died a week later. Mrs. Ross, who fled the home after giving him the overdose, later turned herself in. She was arrested and is currently awaiting trial for murder.
Mr. Ross is survived by a daughter.
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Gary Vereen
27 years old
Richland County
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Mr. Vereen was killed on July 9, 2011.
Ashley Ancrum-Vereen stabbed her husband in the torso multiple times in their home. Mr. Vereen tried to leave in his car but died after driving a short distance away. Police had been dispatched to the home on previous occasions where Mrs. Ancrum-Vereen had attacked Mr. Vereen. She was arrested and is currently awaiting trial for murder.
Mr. Vereen is survived by a daughter.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Brenda Witherspoon
54 years old
Richland County
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Ms. Witherspoon was killed on December 18, 2011.
Michael Peterson stabbed Ms. Witherspoon, his live-in girlfriend, in their home. After Mr. Peterson called a friend to disclose that he had killed Ms. Witherspoon, police were dispatched and found her body. Mr. Peterson was arrested and is awaiting trial for murder.
Ms. Witherspoon is survived by four sons.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Chaconia Culbreath
36 years old
Saluda County
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Mr. Culbreath was killed on May 7, 2011.
Mr. Culbreath was stabbed in the chest by Laverne Coleman, with whom he had a child, after an argument. He died on the way to the hospital. Ms. Coleman initially told police that Mr. Culbreath committed suicide but later confessed to stabbing Mr. Culbreath with a kitchen knife. Ms. Coleman was arrested is currently awaiting trial for murder.
Mr. Culbreath is survived by two sons and a daughter.
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Tony Rosser
45 years old
Saluda County
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Mr. Rosser was killed on June 23, 2011.
Aretha Rosser ran over her husband with a car. Mr. Rosser was taken to the hospital, where he died from blunt force trauma and a fractured neck. After the incident Mrs. Rosser called the police and also phoned other agencies to tell them she had hit her husband with a car. There was a long history of violence in the relationship. Mrs. Rosser fled the scene before police arrived and was later arrested for murder and leaving the scene of an accident. She is currently awaiting trial.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons
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Barbara Perry
64 years old
Spartanburg County
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Mrs. Perry was killed on November 13, 2011.
Mrs. Perry’s husband, Jefferson Perry, shot her in their home. Afterward he went next door and shot his brother-in-law, who died, and sister-in-law, who survived but had to have her hand amputated. Mr. Perry led police on a 30-mile car chase until he crashed his car. He then pointed his gun at officers, who returned fire. Mr. Perry was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Police had been called to the home for a domestic disturbance three days before the shootings.
Mrs. Perry is survived by a son and daughter.
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Rosemary Lee
21 years old
Union County
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Ms. Lee was killed on July 26, 2011.
Kerry Brown, Ms. Lee’s former live-in boyfriend, shot her multiple times in a park in front of a group of children. He then turned the gun on himself, committing suicide. Ms. Lee was pregnant at the time of her death. Mr. Brown had an extensive criminal history and was illegally carrying the firearm.
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Linda Dixon
53 years old
York County
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Ms. Dixon was killed on March 11, 2011.
Jeffrey Goldsmith, Ms. Dixon’s live-in boyfriend, shot her in the head before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide. Ms. Dixon’s co-workers went to her house after she did not show up for work and saw two bodies on the couch when they looked through a window. They called the police, and officers arrived to find both Ms. Dixon and Mr. Goldsmith dead from gunshot wounds.
Ms. Dixon is survived by a son and daughter.
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Linda Hertzog
54 years old
York County
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Ms. Hertzog was killed on January 3, 2011.
Ms. Hertzog’s live-in boyfriend, Jimmy Kendall, III, strangled her to death at her apartment. Mr. Kendall was later discovered driving Ms. Hertzog’s car, and he also tried to cash a forged check drawn from Ms. Hertzog’s bank account. He was charged with multiple offenses, including murder. Mr. Kendall pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison with no possibility of parole.
Ms. Hertzog is survived by two sons and three daughters.
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Michael Howe
44 years old
York County
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Mr. Howe was killed on October 10, 2011.
Christina Adams, his live-in girlfriend, shot Mr. Howe in his home. A friend of the couple was at the home during the shooting and drove to the police department to report the crime. Mr. Howe was dead when officers arrived. Ms. Adams was arrested and is currently awaiting trial for murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Mr. Branham is survived by four sons and two daughters.
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Shrece Robinson
25 years old
York County
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Ms. Robinson was killed on May 21, 2011.
Carl White, Jr., shot Ms. Robinson at his parents’ home. Afterward he left the scene and abducted their 23-month-old son. An Amber Alert was issued, and authorities located Mr. White and the child, unharmed, near the Georgia border. He was arrested on multiple charges, including murder. Mr. White pled guilty to murder, along with possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by an unlawful person. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Ms. Robinson is survived by her son.
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Unknown
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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, our work places, and our places of worship.
Therefore, let us have a moment of silence to remember those victims of whom we are unaware.

Domestic Violence
Organizations
South Carolina
SCCADVASA
PO Box 7776
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-260-9293
Phone 803-256-2900
Abbeville County
Laurens County Safe Home
Post Office Box 744
Clinton, SC 29325
Hotline 866-598-5932
Phone 864-682-7270
Aiken County
Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons
PO Box 1293
Aiken, SC 29802
Hotline 803-641-4162
Phone 803-649-0408
Allendale County
Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons
PO Box 1293
Aiken, SC 29802
Hotline 803-641-4162
Phone 803-649-0408
Anderson County
Safe Harbor
PO Box 174
Greenville, SC 29602
Hotline 800-291-2139
Phone 864-467-1177
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Bamberg County
CASA/Family Systems
PO Box 1568
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Hotline 800-298-7228
Phone 803-534-2448
Barnwell County
Barnwell County Help Line
1644 Jackson Street
Barnwell, SC 29812
Help Line/Hotline 803-259-3333
Barnwell County
Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons
PO Box 1293
Aiken, SC 29802
Hotline 803-641-4162
Phone 803-649-0408
Beaufort County
Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse
PO Box 1775
Beaufort, SC 29901-1775
Hotline 843-770-1070
Phone 843-770-1074
Beaufort County
Hope Haven of the Lowcountry
PO Box 2502
Beaufort, SC 29901
Hotline 800-637-7273
Phone 843-524-2256
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Berkeley County
My Sister’s House
PO Box 5341
North Charleston, SC 29405
Hotline (county) 800-273-4673
Phone 843-747-4069
Calhoun County
CASA/Family Systems
PO Box 1568
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Hotline 800-298-7228
Phone 803-534-2448
Charleston County
My Sister’s House
PO Box 5341
North Charleston, SC 29405
Hotline (county) 800-273-4673
Phone 843-747-4069
Cherokee County
SAFE Homes, Rape Crisis Coalition
236 Union Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Hotline 800-273-5066
Phone 864-583-9803
Chester County
Safe Passage, Inc.
PO Box 11458
Rock Hill, SC 29731
Hotline 800-659-0977
Phone 803-329-3336
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Chesterfield County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Clarendon County
YWCA of the Upper Lowlands, Inc.
246 Church Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Hotline 803-775-2763
Phone 803-773-7158
Colleton County
Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse
PO Box 1775
Beaufort, SC 29901-1775
Hotline 843-770-1070
Phone 843-770-1074
Colleton County
Hope Haven of the Lowcountry
PO Box 2502
Beaufort, SC 29901
Hotline 800-637-7273
Phone 843-524-2256
Darlington County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Dillon County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Dorchester County
My Sister’s House
PO Box 5341
North Charleston, SC 29405
Hotline 800-273-4673
Phone 843-747-4069
Edgefield County
MEG’s House
PO Box 3410
Greenwood, SC 29648
Hotline 800-447-7992
Phone 864-227-1421
Fairfield County
Sistercare, Inc.
PO Box 1029
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-637-7606
Phone 803-926-0505
Florence County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Georgetown County
Citizens Against Spouse Abuse
PO Box 912
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
Hotline 843-448-6206
Phone 843-293-2270
Greenville County
Safe Harbor
PO Box 174
Greenville, SC 29602
Hotline 800-291-2139
Phone 864-467-1177
Greenwood County
MEG’s House
PO Box 3410
Greenwood, SC 29648
Hotline 800-447-7992
Phone 864-227-1421
Hampton County
Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse
PO Box 1775
Beaufort, SC 29901-1775
Hotline 843-770-1070
Phone 843-770-1074
Hampton County
Hope Haven of the Lowcountry
PO Box 2502
Beaufort, SC 29901
Hotline 800-637-7273
Phone 843-524-2256
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Horry County
Citizens Against Spouse Abuse
PO Box 912
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
Hotline 843-448-6206
Phone 843-293-2270
Jasper County
Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse
PO Box 1775
Beaufort, SC 29901-1775
Hotline 843-770-1070
Phone 843-770-1074
Jasper County
Hope Haven of the Lowcountry
PO Box 2502
Beaufort, SC 29901
Hotline 800-637-7273
Phone 843-524-2256
Kershaw County
Sistercare, Inc.
PO Box 1029
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-637-7606
Phone 803-926-0505
Lancaster County
Safe Passage, Inc.
PO Box 11458
Rock Hill, SC 29731
Hotline 800-659-0977
Phone 803-329-3336
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Laurens County
Laurens County Safe Home
Post Office Box 744
Clinton, SC 29325
Hotline 866-598-5932
Phone 864-682-7270
Lee County
YWCA of the Upper Lowlands, Inc.
246 Church Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Hotline 803-775-2763
Phone 803-773-7158
Lexington County
Sistercare, Inc.
PO Box 1029
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-637-7606
Phone 803-926-0505
Marion County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Marlboro County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
Domestic Violence
Organizations
McCormick County
MEG’s House
PO Box 3410
Greenwood, SC 29648
Hotline 800-447-7992
Phone 864-227-1421
Newberry County
Sistercare, Inc.
PO Box 1029
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-637-7606
Phone 803-926-0505
Oconee County
Safe Harbor
PO Box 174
Greenville, SC 29602
Hotline 800-291-2139
Phone 864-467-1177
Orangeburg County
CASA/Family Systems
PO Box 1568
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Hotline 800-298-7228
Phone 803-534-2448
Pickens County
Safe Harbor
PO Box 174
Greenville, SC 29602
Hotline 800-291-2139
Phone 864-467-1177
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Richland County
Sistercare, Inc.
PO Box 1029
Columbia, SC 29202
Hotline 800-637-7606
Phone 803-926-0505
Saluda County
Laurens County Safe Home
PO Box 744
Clinton, SC 29325
Hotline 866-598-5932
Phone 864-682-7270
Spartanburg County
SAFE Homes, Rape Crisis Coalition
236 Union Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Hotline 800-273-5066
Phone 864-583-9803
Sumter County
YWCA of the Upper Lowlands, Inc.
246 Church Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Hotline 803-775-2763
Phone 803-773-7158
Union County
SAFE Homes, Rape Crisis Coalition
236 Union Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Hotline 800-273-5066
Phone 864-583-9803
Domestic Violence
Organizations
Williamsburg County
Pee Dee Coalition
PO Box 1351
Florence, SC 29503
Hotline 800-273-1820
Phone 843-669-4694
York County
Safe Passage, Inc.
PO Box 11458
Rock Hill, SC 29731
Hotline 800-659-0977
Phone 803-329-3336
For more information about domestic violence in South Carolina, please visit the Office of the Attorney General online at www.scattorneygeneral.com/fraud/cdv/index.html.

Silent Witness Information
The South Carolina Office of the Attorney General works diligently throughout the year to collect information about domestic violence homicides. This is the 15th year the office has held the Silent Witness Memorial during October to recognize the victims of this horrific crime.
The information for the Silent Witness Memorial is compiled with the assistance and cooperation of South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the offices of South Carolina solicitors, sheriffs, coroners and police departments.

Nominate Domestic Violence Advocates – Accepting Nominations for the Breaking the Silence Awards

The Zonta Club of Charleston is now accepting nominations for individuals making a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. Winners will be announced at the 3rd Annual Breaking the Silence Awards Gala on January 26, 2013 at the Harbour Club located in downtown Charleston.

Nominees whose efforts make a difference in preventing domestic violence or those who work with domestic violence victims should be nominated by October 15, 2012. The nomination form can be submitted electronically and is located on www.zontaofcharleston.com. For more information, please call 843-695-0750.

The event is hosted by the Zonta Club of Charleston and Liza’s Lifeline of South Carolina and benefits victims of domestic violence. Nominations for the 3rd Annual Breaking the Silence Awards are accepted in the following categories: Best Volunteer, Best Advocate and Best Professional. Liza’s Lifeline Person of the Year for lifelong achievement will be selected by the board of Liza’s Lifeline and announced at the event. Past recipients include: Mayor R. Keith Summey, Ellen Steinberg, Scott Beard, Dr. Jennifer Pullano, Kristen Hankla, Verizon Wireless Charleston Call Center, Easter LaRoche, Elmire Raven and Sarah Finkelstein.

“Domestic violence is the issue number one in our state. Many risk their lives by answering domestic disturbance calls, others fight their battle in the court rooms. For most parts, these individuals are not recognized for their tireless work and we want to rectify that,” says Diana Bogart, president of the Zonta Club of Charleston.

Photos from the 2nd Annual Breaking the Silence Awards Gala

2012 Breaking the Silence Award Winner – Liza’s Lifeline Person of the Year, Ellen Steinberg

Ellen S. Steinberg graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  She received her Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1983.  Ms. Steinberg was admitted to the Texas Bar in November 1983 and the South Carolina Bar in November 1984.

Ms. Steinberg started her career as an Assistant Solicitor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.  After four years, she left the Solicitors Office and worked as a staff attorney for the Department of Social Services in the Child Support Services Division before entering private practice.  Wanting to spend more time with her family, Ms. Steinberg left the practice of law until she was approached about a Pro-Bono Project in the Charleston County Family Court. This project was her first introduction to the world of Domestic Violence.  She returned to prosecuting, this time as the Criminal Domestic Violence prosecutor in the Magistrate Courts of the First Judicial Circuit.

Delighted to return to the Ninth Judicial Circuit as an Assistant Solicitor in 2006, Ms. Steinberg was instrumental in implementing a centralized Criminal Domestic Violence Court in Charleston County. For the last five years, she has prosecuted the CDV cases for the Ninth Judicial Circuit for the Charleston County Magistrate Courts and the North Charleston Municipal Court.

Outside of practicing law, Ms. Steinberg is a member of the National Board of Hadassah, where she has held several national chairmanships and served three terms as a National Vice President. She has led numerous workshops on leadership and board management throughout the country and chaired three missions to Poland and Israel.  Ms. Steinberg is also actively involved with Synagogue Emanu-El and is half-way through her first year as Synagogue President.


Ms. Steinberg is married to Robert Steinberg. They have a son, Matthew and a daughter, Sarah.

2012 Breaking the Silence Award Winner – Best Volunteer, Sarah Finkelstein

After reading in 2006 that South Carolina ranked number two in the nation for women killed by their intimate partners, Sarah Finkelstein convinced the Charleston Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) to take on a project against domestic violence.  From this point, the poster campaign, Can You Spot an Abuser? and How Men Can Help was researched and endorsed by counselors and professionals in the field and designed. Finally on July 16, 2007, the poster was revealed at a press conference that brought together area mayors, legislators, coaches and religious leaders.  They all enthusiastically supported NCJW’s bringing awareness, education and prevention to the community and asked that this project be continued.To keep the great momentum going, Ms. Finkelstein formed a diverse group of nonprofit community agencies, including law enforcements, school leaders, religious and medical leaders and community volunteers to meet monthly.  The newly formed group was titled the Community Alliance Against Interpersonal Violence – a collaborative force committed to improving the quality of life for women, children and families by promoting awareness, education and prevention of interpersonal violence.

To date, over 45,000 posters and rack cards have been distributed throughout the state.  Ms. Finkelstein has traveled to conferences in Myrtle Beach, Orangeburg, Columbia and Greenville to distribute them and attend monthly meetings, logging more than 6,700 miles and over 2,500 hours working on this project in three and a half years. In 2011, the Charleston Section of the National Council of Jewish Women was recognized for its local community service poster project against domestic violence and received a national award at the 45th National Convention in Dallas, Texas.

To raise awareness of domestic violence and the poster project, Ms. Finkelstein has given talks to middle and high school counselors, Brith Shalom Beth Israel Sisterhood, Advanced Practical Nurses Group, Victims Resource Fair at Trident Technical College, National Network to End Domestic Violence and TV programs. Five years ago, she initiated the NCJW 5K Run/Walk; and in 2010, she forged ahead an awareness event with the South Carolina Stingrays Hockey Team.

Originally from Alabama, Ms. Finkelstein attended the University of Alabama and after marrying a Charlestonian who decided to take a position with the Panama Canal, she finished her degree at the Canal Zone College.  Upon returning to the United States, she began a career at the Medical University of South Carolina and retired in 1999.  Now, she spends her time volunteering in the community. She served as President of the Charleston Section of the National Council Jewish Women from 2009 to 2011 and on the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence Task Force from 2010 to 2011.

2012 Breaking the Silence Award Winner – Best Professional, Elmire Raven

Elmire Raven graduated from the Georgia State University in Atlanta with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice) degrees.  She continued her education at the Webster University and received her Masters in Counseling.Ms. Raven currently serves as the Executive Director of My Sister’s House. She has held this position since February 1991 after years of experience working for My Sister’s House, Trident United Way and Georgia State University.

Ms. Raven has been a domestic violence victims’ advocate for more than twenty years, nurturing and fostering My Sister’s House into a local organization that provides services, programs and resources to empower victims of domestic violence and their children to be free from abuse. Alongside the Board of Directors, Ms. Raven has worked tirelessly to build My Sister’s House into a respected organization in the Charleston community that benefits and serves the local community. Thanks to her leadership and commitment, even in the tough economy, My Sister’s House has maintained its status in grant funding and exceeded its fundraising goals. A survivor of domestic violence, she is known for her unparallel determination in the effort to end the cycle of domestic violence in the tri-county area.

Despite her busy work schedule, she finds time to give back to the community, currently serving as the President of the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club. In the past, Ms. Raven held numerous leadership positions on various boards and has received many honors/awards, including Board Member and Treasurer for the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, President of the Center For Women Services Advisory Board, Trustee Board Chairperson for the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

1991 and 1988, Ms. Raven was named the Woman of the Year by the American Business Women Association. In 2006, she was awarded the Community Service Award by Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity, and in 2004-2005, she received the President’s Award by the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary. The list of honors and awards goes on, but her motto:  “Without God I can do nothing and let my living not be in vain,” keeps her focused on her mission to play a role in the fight to end domestic violence in our city.

2012 Breaking the Silence Award Winner – Best Advocate, Easter LaRoche

Easter  LaRoche serves as a Certified Victim Assistance Specialist and the Coordinator of Victim Services at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department, devoting countless hours and energy to helping victims and survivors in need. Ms. LaRoche has worked in law enforcement for over thirty three years, including eight years with the Drug Enforcement Administration on the multi-jurisdiction task force to eradicate illegal drugs. She attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of the National Victim Assistance Academy, the South Carolina Victim Assistance Institute and National Grief Recovery Institute with a designation of a National Grief Recovery Specialist.Eleven years ago, Easter LaRoche wrote a grant that allowed her to start up a support group for survivors of homicide – not because her job required her to do so, but because she saw the need in the community. Through these services, Ms. LaRoche has been instrumental in making Charleston’s outreach efforts for Survivors of Homicide gain national recognition which led to receiving three additional federal grants.Ms. LaRoche always goes the extra mile in her work with victims.  She not only helps ensure women have all the information they need to keep themselves safe, but she also takes a holistic approach to making sure all their needs are tended to. She demonstrates love and compassion for those victims she works with, and is extraordinarily knowledgeable of local resources.

Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed.  In 2007 and 2010, due to her key role, her office received the Charleston County Sheriff’s Unit of the Year Award. In addition, she received the Criminal Justice Award for Outstanding Service to Victims of Crime from the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network in 2008; the Silver Scales of Justice Award from the SC Victim Assistance Network and the Woman of Distinction Award from the South Carolina Chapter of the National Girl Scouts of America.

In addition to her work with domestic violence victims through her day job, Ms. LaRoche has served victims of domestic violence in numerous ways after hours. She is a founding Board Member of Liza’s Lifeline of South Carolina. She also serves on the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence Task Force, and volunteers for My Sister’s House. Over the years, she has supported efforts of various non-profit organizations in the community, including People Against Rape, My Sister’s House and the Charleston Section of the National Council of Jewish Women’s domestic violence awareness efforts. She is an esteemed speaker, and is asked regularly to speak at local churches, schools and community events about the impact of domestic violence. Ms. LaRoche is also politically and socially involved in the community of John’s Island where she has served as Chair of the Sea Islands Cultural Arts Festival.

Breaking the Silence Awards Gala – Keynote Speaker Laura Hudson

The Zonta Club of Charleston is very excited to introduce our keynote speaker, Laura Slade Hudson!

Laura Hudson

Laura Hudson graduated from the Georgia State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1970.

In 2007, Ms. Hudson, a longtime victim advocate, was named the Executive Director of the South Carolina Crime Victims’ Council. The South Carolina Crime Victims’ Council (SCCVC) serves as the chief nonprofit organization in South Carolina advocating the development of crime victims’ rights and services.

Prior to her position with SCCVC, Ms. Hudson served as Public Policy Coordinator for the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) for seven years from 2000 to 2007.  She served as Executive Director of SCVAN from 1994 to 2000 (having previously served on the board for 2 years).  She served as State Chair and Public Policy person of Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Carolina (MADD) for 13 years and the Executive Director of the Citizens Advocating Decency and a Revival of Ethics for 10 years. She is also a founding member and Chairwoman of the South Carolina Victim Constitutional Amendment Network.

She has either originated or shepherded more than 150 pieces of DUI legislation, 25 pieces of Child Protection laws, 10 pieces of CDV legislation, and more than 85 pieces of legislation concerning crime victims in general.  She has been a leader in public policy concerning crime victims, creating funding for compensation and services.  She is a well-known public speaker, author, guest professor at the University of South Carolina and the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, and TV personality locally, statewide, and nationally.  She is most fond of “leveling the playing field” and “balancing the scales” for crime victims.  She is most proud of the South Carolina Constitutional Amendment for Victims’ of Crime that was supported by 89% of the voters in 1996 and her work on the enabling legislation and funding for crime victim services throughout our state.

For her invaluable contributions, Ms. Hudson was awarded the state’s highest civilian award, The Order of the Palmetto, on June 22, 2006. The South Carolina Victim Assistance Network presented her with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award in 1990, and in 1989, she received the President’s Award for Legislative Efforts from MADD National. The same year, she was awarded the Woman of Achievement Award by the March of Dimes.

2011 Liza’s Lifeline Person of the Year: Mayor R. Keith Summey

Mayor Keith Summey

A mayor’s business is making his city a better place to live, and Mayor R. Keith Summey has become widely known as a consensus builder among local government leaders. His family moved to North Charleston, South Carolina in the early 1960s where he graduated from Chicora High School and Baptist College. With the Mayor’s roots in his local community, it was no surprise that he ran and was elected as the 3rd Mayor of North Charleston in October of 1994 to fill an unexpired term of office and has been reelected in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.  During his tenure he has led North Charleston to achieve a new sense of pride never seen in his City. Becoming the retail sales leader in the State, improving municipal services and defining a vision for the City have hallmarked his tenure.  Upgrading the quality of life of the citizens of North Charleston continues to be the top goal of Mayor Summey.

Mayor Summey received recognition from Charleston Southern University with the reception of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service on Saturday, December 16, 2006 during the University’s fall graduation ceremony.

Today, Mayor Summey is recognized for his work to prevent and end domestic violence in our city. The Mayor has been a supporter of local organizations that work with domestic violence victims. He has met with members of Liza’s Lifeline on several occasions; always interested in the development and new activities and willing to help. This willingness to help led to a sponsorship of the fundraising efforts during the annual golf tournaments held by Liza’s Lifeline. The mayor and his staff came through when Liza’s Lifeline was in need of a permanent meeting place and offered a meeting room at the new North Charleston City Hall free of charge. The Mayor and his staff accommodate any organization that deals with children and/or women by providing a meeting room at no charge. When approached by the Survivors of Homicide Support Group to provide a meeting place in North Charleston so they could be more accessible to members of the community (including domestic violence victims), Mayor Summey immediately arranged to provide a meeting place at the Park Circle Community Center and meetings are held there every month.

The City of North Charleston supports My Sister’s House, thereby helping women and children escape from dangerous abusive environments. In addition, the City of North Charleston has plans to build a shelter to provide temporary housing for individuals in need, including domestic violence victims.

2011 Breaking the Silence Award for Best in Business: Verizon Wireless Charleston Call Center

Verizon Wireless’ corporate commitment to ending domestic violence is expressed nationwide. Their HopeLine® program has raised $7.9 million for domestic violence organizations and distributed more than 90,000 phones with the equivalent of more than 300 million minutes of free wireless service. Here in Charleston, Verizon Wireless works tirelessly in numerous ways. The company has invested tens of thousands of dollars in the community in a concerted effort to help end the epidemic of violence, helping organizations including Crisis Ministries, MUSC’s COPE Program, Trident Technical College, Ronald McDonald House, My Sister’s House, College of Charleston and Zonta.

Through HopeLine® collections in the community, the company has donated hundreds of phones loaded with minutes to My Sister’s House and other organizations. They have sponsored awareness events, including one in honor of an employee whose life was cut short in a domestic violence incident. At this event, a $10,000 scholarship was established for the victim’s children and a $10,000 donation was made in her name to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Verizon has sponsored events on college campuses to help educate young people in an effort to stop the cycle before it begins. The organization was the first sponsor of the College of Charleston’s annual NV Day—No Victims, No Violence. Finally, the company employs an internal training and advocacy program designed to ensure that employees feel free to seek help from violence within the workplace.

Verizon Wireless’ employees truly care. Call Center employees’ volunteerism is evident in organizing frequent drives, collecting used phones, books, school supplies and food to donate to local missions and shelters. In the past years, they donated 133 pounds of aluminum “pop tops” to the local Ronald McDonald House. They collected and filled 50 backpacks of school supplies for various groups. They helped build a Habitat House, ran the Relay for Life, ran the Cooper River Bridge Run, donated a ton (literally) of food to Lowcountry Food Bank, and more.