OC Sheriff’s Office investigating Homicide in Westminster

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide after a Westminster resident was discovered dead inside her residence, reports Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt. “At approximately 4:36pm on Nov. 26, 2017, a call was made to Oconee County 911 reporting that a non-responsive female had been found inside a home on Creekwood Lane in Westminster. When personnel from Oconee County EMS, the Oconee County Coroner’s Office and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence they discovered a female dead inside the home. Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis positively identified the decedent as 74-year-old Joann G. McCarthy. The coroner conducted a more extensive examination of the body on Monday, Nov. 27, and immediately notified investigators at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office that an injury not found during the preliminary exam had been discovered. Based on the coroner’s findings further testing as well as an autopsy was conducted on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at which time it was determined that Ms. McCarthy had died from a single gunshot wound and her manner of death was determined to be homicide.” The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation and asks anyone who may have information regarding Ms. McCarthy’s death to call 864-638-4111 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Watt gives other ways to contact Crimestoppers. “Anyone with any information can contact Crimestoppers by going to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office website at www.oconeelaw.com where they can click on the Crimestoppers link and fill out a tip online. Individuals can also download the free P3 Tips mobile app, which is available in the iOS and Android platforms and can be downloaded through either the App Store or Google Play Store and use that app to contact Crimestoppers as well.” All information provided to Crimestoppers is confidential and individuals remain anonymous.