LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A tragic family dispute has culminated in a murder charge against a Columbia man, authorities revealed, shedding light on a case that has both shocked and saddened the community. The suspect, identified as Terry Lee Self, Jr., is accused of killing his mother, Regina Arroyo of Barnwell, last winter.
The case unfolded over several months. Sheriff Jay Koon of Lexington County said that Arroyo’s body was discovered on December 3 by a canoer in the placid waters of the Edisto River. Initial reports did not immediately link the death to foul play, but further investigation matched Arroyo’s disappearance to her son’s residence in Columbia.
According to detectives, evidence suggests the last encounter between Terry Lee Self Jr. and his mother escalated into an argument at his home. “The altercation apparently reached a fatal conclusion,” Koon explained. Piecing together witness accounts and forensic evidence, authorities believe that Self used a ligature to strangle Arroyo. Following the murder, he allegedly transported her body to the river, where it was later found.
This prolonged investigation, spanning seven months, involved extensive search and inquiries, as officials were determined to resolve Arroyo’s mysterious disappearance and provide answers to her grieving family. “Our team has been deeply committed to this case from the start, hoping to bring some measure of closure to her loved ones,” said Koon.
Self was apprehended and is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County on unrelated charges. Following the murder charge, he appeared before a magistrate in Lexington County on July 1, where he was denied bond.
Reflecting on the disturbing nature of the crime, community members have expressed their dismay. Local resident Emily Johnson said, “It’s heartbreaking to think a son could do this to his mother. Our community is really shaken up. We just hope justice is served swiftly.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to Arroyo’s tragic death. Meanwhile, the community rallies around the victim’s family, offering support during this challenging time.