In the quiet town of Blythewood, South Carolina, a tragic event shattered the peace on a Monday afternoon. Maria L. Canales, a 70-year-old woman, was fatally shot on September 15, 2025. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Haygood Road, where deputies arrived to find a grim scene. Canales had already succumbed to her injuries by the time law enforcement reached the location. Another individual, a man, was also found at the scene with gunshot wounds to his upper body.
He was transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led to the arrest of 43-year-old Fred Gause Jr. the following day. Gause has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Maria Canales. In addition to the murder charge, he faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Following his arrest, Fred Gause Jr. was taken into custody and is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. The Richland County Coroner's Office officially identified Maria L. Canales as the victim of the fatal shooting. The investigation into the incident remains active as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the deadly encounter on Haygood Road.
