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Man Dies of Heart Attack While Burying Girlfriend He Murdered Moments Earlier

Joseph McKinnon dug the hole in his backyard before he died

By True Crime WriterPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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A man who strangled his girlfriend to death inside the home they shared on May 8, 2022, died from an apparent heart attack as he buried her body in the backyard in what most would call a case of poetic justice.

A Shocking Discovery

A neighbor found Joseph McKinnon lying in the yard. He rushed to his aid, attempting to perform CPR to resuscitate the man. When unsuccessful, the neighbor dialed 9-1-1.

Trenton, SC officers found McKinnon lying unconscious on his lawn. Paramedics attempted to save his life but were too late.

Officers discovered the body of Patrica Dent after a search of the property.

McKinnon’s body did not show any signs of foul play. Authorities presumed he died of natural causes.

An autopsy confirmed McKinnon died from cardiac arrest. Dent had been strangled to death.

McKinnon dug a garden hole in his backyard before binding Dent and placing her body in a trash bag.

Patricia Dent’s twin sister, Pamela Briggs, said the murder was shocking and she never saw it coming. Her sister, she said, was well-liked by everyone who met her and full of energy.

Statement Released

A statement regarding the incident was released by Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland and Edgefield County Coroner David Burnett:

“On Saturday morning Deputies along with the Edgefield County Coroner’s Office, and Edgefield County EMS responded to 102 Tanglewood Drive in Trenton, South Carolina to a call of an unresponsive man lying in his yard. Joseph Anthony McKinnon, 60, of the same address was found to be deceased in his yard.

Mr. McKinnon had no signs of trauma and natural causes were suspected. While investigating the death and making notifications to the next of kin, a second body was located in a freshly dug pit. Patricia Ruth Dent, 65, of the same address appeared to have died by foul play.

On Monday, autopsies were performed on both bodies, and the cause of death for Mr. McKinnon was confirmed to be a cardiac event. Ms. Dent was found to have died by strangulation.

Evidence gathered at the scene, along with statements from witnesses aided investigators to build a timeline, leading us to believe that Mr. McKinnon attacked Ms. Dent while inside their home.

Mr. McKinnon then bound her and wrapped her in trash bags before putting her in the previously dug pit. The pit was then partially filled in by Mr. McKinnon. While covering the pit, Mr. McKinnon had a cardiac event, causing his death.”

Man Shoots Himself During Robbery, Flags Down Deputy for Help

A Florida man shot himself during the commission of an armed robbery. The man then stole a Mercedes Benz from a strip club across the street, but moments later, he flagged down a deputy as the injuries from the gunshot wound became unbearably painful.

Orlando police charged 24-year-old LaShawn Williams with robbery in the March 2015 incident after he was treated and released from an Orlando hospital.

Katy Freeway Attempted Robber Shoots Self

A man who was out on bond for assault on a peace officer and evading arrest accidentally shot himself during an attempted vehicle robbery on Katy Highway.

Carlos Marquez, 29, was charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the incident.

Initial reports stated two cars were involved in an accident. One of the drivers pulled out a gun on another driver, accidentally shooting himself in the process.

According to the victim, Marquez fired two shots at him when he began to fight back. A third shot fired at the victim struck Marquez in the head.

Several witnesses helped tackle Marquez and hold him down until police arrived.

The handgun used in the robbery was stolen out of Houston.

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About the Creator

True Crime Writer

The best of the worst true crime, history, strange and Unusual stories. Graphic material. Intended for a mature audience ONLY.

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