Columbia Man Charged with Murder of his Mother Found in North Edisto River

Lexington, South Carolina – A tragic turn of events unfolded earlier today as a 37-year-old man from Columbia, Terry Lee Self Jr., stands accused in the December 2023 murder of his mother, Regina Arroyo. The victim’s body was discovered in the Edisto River.

The Arrest Warrant

On July 3, 2024, Terry Lee Self Jr. was charged with murder in connection to his mother’s death, according to official documentations – a culmination of horrific events tracing back approximately seven months ago. Self Jr. is now held in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on an unrelated charge. A magistrate, upon reviewing the case, denied him bond.

Unfolding of the Crime

According to Lexington County Sheriff, Jay Koon, “A canoer found the body of the suspect’s mother in the North Edward River on December 3, 2023. Following an investigation, detectives confirmed that Self Jr. and his mother were at his residence and departed together after an argument.”

“The evidence gathered indicated that Mr. Self used a ligature weapon to strangle Ms. Arroyo,” said Sheriff Jay Koon. “After the act, he disposed of her body by abandoning it in the North Edisto River.”

The Victim

Regina Arroyo was identified as the victim by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. She was widely regarded as a warm-hearted and gentle individual by neighbors, causing her tragic end to resonate across the community.

A Long Road to Justice

“Detectives have been tirelessly working on this case for several months, aiming to locate the individual responsible for Ms. Arroyo’s untimely death,” Sheriff Koon remarked. “Our goal now is to provide some sense of closure for Regina’s family members and loved ones, to know that justice will be served.”

Wrapping Up

The investigation remains ongoing, as officials continue to gather more information on the tragic incident. As legal proceedings continue against Terry Lee Self Jr., the community expresses its condolences to the bereaved family and hopes for justice to prevail.