A late-night tragedy has left a Bamberg County community reeling after two people were found dead in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide.
According to Denmark Police Chief Bernard Holman, officers responded to a home on Rice Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of gunfire. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Tarance Chatman, 43, and Stephanie Hicks, 42.
Chief Holman said the preliminary investigation indicates that Chatman fatally shot Hicks before turning the gun on himself. The two shared the residence and were described as “live-in boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Chief Holman expressed condolences to the victims’ families and urged the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting Denmark police with the investigation. As of Wednesday morning, a motive for the shooting had not been determined.
On behalf of Hicks’ family, arrangements are being set up at 112 Race Street, Bamberg, S.C.
