Two adolescents have been detained following the death of MyAngel Walker, an 18-year-old female from South Carolina. Walker’s body was found in a burnt-out vehicle a day after she was declared missing.
The arrests were made following a thorough investigation involving multiple agencies across several counties.
Walker’s family reported her absence to the Laurens Police Department in South Carolina on Thursday, December 12. This action was prompted by Walker’s unexplained absence from her workplace at the National Health Center in Clinton where she was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her failure to report to work raised immediate alarm among those who knew her, given her reputation as a diligent healthcare worker.
“It became apparent during the night that we were looking for something a little more than just somebody missing,” shared Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland with the press.
The investigation expanded to include the Clinton Police Department, given that Walker was last spotted in Clinton, South Carolina. The collaborative investigation also involved the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
The search concluded tragically when Walker’s remains were discovered the next day in a burnt vehicle near McKenzie Road in Greenwood County, South Carolina. Video from the scene showed investigators meticulously examining the scorched vehicle being towed from the surrounding woods. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office later established that Walker had died from a gunshot wound.
The investigation revealed that the fatal shooting took place between 10 and 11 p.m. on December 11 on Gary Street in Clinton, nearly a full day before Walker was reported missing. This information proved pivotal to the case.
Malachi Jewelz Pressley, 19, was among those arrested. Walker’s mother identified Pressley as her daughter’s intermittent boyfriend. Pressley has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Another 19-year-old, Taylor Kinard, was charged with accessory after the fact, suspected of aiding in the concealment of Walker’s body.
Clinton Police Chief Michael Addison detailed Kinard’s alleged participation, stating that she “had knowledge of it and she helped.” Both suspects were presented before a judge on Saturday, December 14, where they were denied bail.
Walker, a recent high school graduate, was pursuing a career in nursing, driven by her passion for healthcare. She was a CNA at the National Health Center in Clinton, the first step toward her desired lifelong career in nursing.
Staff and classmates at her high school remember Walker as an engaged student, known for her active involvement in school spirit activities and sports. She brought a positive energy to every endeavor she undertook.
In a heartfelt conversation, Walker’s mother, Sade Woodruff, expressed her immense grief over the loss of her daughter, describing her as “a great person” and “a leader.”
Woodruff offered advice to young people who may find themselves in similar situations. She urged them to be mindful of their surroundings and the people they associate with. She encouraged anyone experiencing any kind of domestic abuse to seek help promptly.
