In the summer of 2025, the life of 61-year-old Patricia Britt was tragically cut short in a violent encounter in Dillon County, South Carolina. On the afternoon of June 26th, deputies responded to a report of a shooting at the Pantry West at South of the Border, a well-known roadside attraction. Upon their arrival, they discovered Britt deceased from a gunshot wound, marking the beginning of a swift and intensive investigation into her death.
Authorities quickly identified several
individuals believed to be connected to the crime. The investigation led to the arrests of four suspects. Ja'heem Antwan Pernell, 19, and Aalyiah Monique Priest, 22, were apprehended at a local apartment complex. They both face serious charges, including murder and armed robbery. Pernell was additionally charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Their alleged involvement paints a grim picture of the events that led to Britt's untimely death.
Two other individuals were also implicated for their alleged roles in the crime. Tina Rebecca Pernell, 39, was charged with accessory before and after the fact to murder, suggesting she may have been involved in both the planning and the cover-up of the incident. Another woman, 24-year-old Monika Alexis Lee, was charged with accessory after the fact of murder. Following their arrests, Ja'heem Pernell, Aalyiah Priest, and Tina Pernell were all denied bond, while Lee's bond was set at $75,000. The case against the four individuals is pending in the Dillon County legal system, leaving a community to grapple with the senseless loss of a life.
