In the quiet town of Westminster, South Carolina, the life of 53-year-old Kent Adrian Marcengill came to a tragic and violent end on Friday, October 30, 2020. A native of Oconee County and the owner and operator of Southern Heritage Building, Mr. Marcengill was known for his profound love for his family. However, the events that unfolded at his home on Rocking M Lane painted a grim picture of domestic turmoil.
On the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2020, Oconee County deputies responded
to a call at the Marcengill residence around 7:40 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered both Kent and his 52-year-old wife, Paula Marcengill, with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Mr. Marcengill had been shot in the midsection, while his wife had a gunshot wound to her upper torso. Both were airlifted to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Kent Marcengill succumbed to a single gunshot wound while in surgery the following day. His death was officially ruled a homicide by the Oconee County Coroner. Tragically, Paula Marcengill also passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and her death was ruled a suicide.
Investigations into the incident revealed a history of domestic violence between the couple, with law enforcement having responded to domestic-related calls at their home in the past. The investigation concluded that Paula Marcengill shot her husband before turning the gun on herself in a devastating murder-suicide. As the perpetrator was also deceased, there were no arrests or suspects pursued in this case, closing a dark chapter in the community.
