In a shocking case of betrayal and violence, a South Carolina woman was brutally murdered after being deceived by a friend with a fake puppy sale offer, according to authorities. The incident has led to the arrest of three individuals on serious criminal charges including murder and first-degree arson.
Gruesome Details of the Crime
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye revealed to Fox News Digital that 40-year-old Dana Kinlaw was lured by her friend, 19-year-old Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, to a remote rural house under the false pretense of purchasing a puppy. Once at the location, Kinlaw was shot in the head in what appears to be a premeditated attack.
Following the shooting, the perpetrators poured a liquid substance over her body and set it on fire inside the vehicle. The horrific scene was discovered by deputies on January 22 when they responded to Atlantic Road near Springbranch Road in Effingham, South Carolina, where a burning vehicle contained the deceased victim.
Arrests and Charges
Two primary suspects were initially taken into custody on January 23. Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, 19, and Daquinn Taheen Thomas, 31, were arrested and charged with murder, first-degree arson, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime according to official jail records.
Authorities later announced the arrest of a third suspect, 31-year-old Nikko Carraway, on Wednesday. Carraway faces identical charges to Fleming and Thomas. All three individuals are currently being held without bond as the investigation continues to unfold.
Possible Motive Revealed
Sheriff Joye indicated that investigators believe this brutal killing was an act of retaliation connected to another murder in neighboring Darlington County. According to law enforcement sources, Kinlaw's son was believed to have been involved in that separate homicide case, suggesting a possible revenge motive behind the gruesome attack.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office confirmed that their investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could be filed as more evidence comes to light and the case develops further.
Community Impact and Investigation Status
This violent crime has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the dangers of online marketplace transactions and the tragic consequences of personal disputes escalating into deadly violence. The use of a fake puppy sale as bait represents a particularly cruel method of deception that has alarmed residents across South Carolina.
Law enforcement officials continue to piece together the timeline of events and gather evidence in what they describe as a complex investigation. The combination of murder and arson charges suggests prosecutors believe the perpetrators intended to both kill the victim and destroy evidence of their crime.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of personal safety when engaging in transactions with unfamiliar individuals, even those who may present themselves as friends or acquaintances.
