In December 2024, the life of 18-year-old MyAngel Walker was tragically cut short, a devastating event that began as a missing person case and quickly escalated into a homicide investigation. Concerns for the young woman from Clinton, South Carolina, arose on December 12, 2024, when she uncharacteristically failed to show up for her job at NHC Healthcare.
Her family promptly reported her missing to the Laurens Police Department, sparking a joint investigation with the Clinton Police Department as she was last seen in Clinton.
As investigators delved into her disappearance, it became evident that this was more than a simple missing person case. The search for MyAngel and her white Jeep Cherokee expanded into neighboring Newberry and Greenwood counties. The grim discovery was made the following day in Greenwood County, where her body was found inside a burned vehicle near McKenzie Road. An initial examination revealed she had sustained a gunshot wound.
The investigation swiftly led to the arrests of two individuals. Malachi Pressley, 19, identified as MyAngel's on-and-off boyfriend, was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Police believe Pressley shot her on the evening of December 11, 2024. Also arrested was 19-year-old Taylor Kinard, who faces a charge of accessory after the fact. Authorities stated that Kinard had knowledge of the murder and assisted Pressley in disposing of MyAngel's body.
Both Pressley and Kinard were taken into custody at the Johnson Detention Center and were denied bond during their initial court appearance. The tragic death of MyAngel Walker, a recent high school graduate with aspirations of becoming a nurse, prompted an outpouring of grief from her family and community. Her mother publicly expressed her sorrow and raised concerns about domestic violence. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted local law enforcement agencies in the ongoing investigation.
