Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker, who was found deceased in a burned car just a day after she was reported missing, authorities confirmed Sunday.
Walker, a recent high school graduate, was reported missing on Thursday, Dec. 12, after she failed to show up for work, according to *FOX Carolina*. Her family filed a missing persons report with the Laurens Police Department, and the Clinton Police Department joined the investigation after Walker was last seen in Clinton, South Carolina.
On Friday, Walker’s body was discovered in a burned vehicle near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County. Police confirmed that she had suffered a gunshot wound, though additional details about her injuries or the exact cause of death have not been released.
Authorities identified 19-year-old Malachi Pressley, who Walker’s mother, Sade Woodruff, said was her daughter’s on-and-off boyfriend, as the alleged shooter. Pressley has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Additionally, 19-year-old Taylor Kinard was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact. Police allege Kinard assisted in disposing of Walker’s body. Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison stated, “She had knowledge of it, and she helped.” Both suspects were denied bail during a hearing on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Police say the shooting occurred between 10 and 11 p.m. on Dec. 11 on Gary Street in Clinton. Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland noted the seriousness of the investigation as it unfolded. “It became apparent during the night that we were looking for something a little more than just somebody missing,” he told *FOX Carolina*.
Walker’s family described her as an ambitious and bright individual with plans to pursue a nursing career. “We lost a big part of our family,” her mother said in a statement to *WYFF*. “We lost a great person. We lost an amazing person, a leader.”
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the tragic nature of the case. “This is a tragedy that should not happen,” Chief Copeland said. “But we’re glad that we were able to get justice for that family really quickly here.”
Walker’s mother urged others to remain vigilant about their relationships and to seek help if domestic issues arise. “Be aware of who you’re dealing with, the people you’re surrounded by, the people you hang out with,” Woodruff said.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Clinton and Laurens Police Departments have not released further information at this time.
People.com
