A South Carolina elementary school principal was discovered fatally shot inside a car, and a man who authorities describe as an acquaintance of hers was arrested in her death.
Deputies with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office were called Saturday evening to the 1800 block of Southwind Road in Dillon and discovered a woman dead inside a car, Sheriff Douglas Pernell told NBC affiliate WMBF of Myrtle Beach.
The victim was identified as Dr. Wendy Cook, 54, of Dillon County, coroner Donnie Grimsley told NBC News. She died of a gunshot wound and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, he said.
Kyle Church, 31, was arrested at the scene of the shooting Saturday and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, WMBF reported. It’s not immediately clear if he has legal representation.
When deputies arrived, Pernell said, they found both Cook and Church inside the car and Cook was dead. Deputies also recovered a gun, he said. Pernell said Cook and Church were acquaintances, but no further details were shared.
Cook was the principal of Stewart Heights Elementary School, which kicked off the new school year Aug. 15. She had worked for the Dillon County School District for 25 years and was loved by all, Superintendent Ray Rogers said.
“Walking in the school today. You know, you just feel her presence. The kids came in just as quiet as they might be. And not knowing all of what was going on,” Rogers said.
“Just in shock. You know, disbelief. Knowing what a dynamic administrator she was. And dynamic person. How she loves her kids. How she worked with the Stewart Heights family, teachers. It was just unbelievable. Pray for us. Because we got our hands full,” he continued.
South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman also shared a tribute.
“Her colleagues and friends in Dillon County School District 4 talk regarding the great work she did leading her school and the many impacts she had on her students and staff,” Spearman said in a statement.
“My deepest condolences are with the entire Dillon school community as they grieve this loss.”
The Associated Press contributed.
