Terry Ann Chermak, a 49-year-old female, was reported missing in September 2022 after she had not been seen since leaving work in Greenville on September 9, 2022. Her family and friends grew concerned when the nature of text messages from her phone seemed to change, leading them to believe someone else was using it. Concern mounted after Chermak, a human resources officer, reportedly texted her boss to say she had COVID.
A missing persons report was filed on September 17th.
The investigation into her disappearance led deputies to her home on Neely Ferry Road in Laurens, SC. During a search of the property, investigators discovered her body buried in a shallow grave. An autopsy later confirmed that Terry Ann Chermak died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. Evidence suggested that a bag had been placed over her head before she was shot. Her body was found wrapped in a blue tarp secured with zip ties.
Suspicion quickly fell upon her fiancé, William Loyd Cagle, who also went by the name Todd. Investigators discovered that Cagle had purchased a blue tarp, zip ties, and a shovel from a local hardware store. He was arrested in Denver, Colorado, on the same day Chermak's body was discovered. Cagle was subsequently charged with her murder.
William Lloyd Todd Cagle, 50, pleaded guilty to the murder charge. In December 2024, a judge sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Under the terms of his sentence, Cagle will not be eligible for parole. Prior to the murder, Chermak had been sending text messages to her sister expressing that she no longer wanted to marry Cagle. Public records revealed that Cagle had a prior conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature in 2007.
