A South Carolina man is accused of the horrific crime of murdering his mother, strangling her to death, and disposing of her body in a river.
Terry Lee Self Jr., 37, faces charges for the murder of his 56-year-old mother, Regina Arroyo.
According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, detectives had been diligently working for months to uncover the truth behind her tragic death.
Sheriff Jay Koon revealed in a statement, "A canoer discovered the body of the suspect's mother in the Edisto River on December 3.
Our detectives confirmed that the suspect and his mother were last seen together at his residence, leaving after an argument."
Evidence suggests that Self, a resident of Columbia, used a ligature to strangle Ms. Arroyo, the statement detailed.
This revelation came after seven months of intensive investigation.
"We hope this arrest provides some closure to her family and loved ones," the sheriff's statement added.
Mindy Chrysler, Self’s sister, and Arroyo’s daughter had long been wary of her brother’s erratic behavior, as reported by local NBC affiliate WIS.
She disclosed that Self had a troubled past with criminal activity, and his recent behavioral changes had raised alarm within the family.
Her suspicions were further aroused when she saw Self driving Arroyo’s rental car shortly after her disappearance.
“There was no doubt in my mind. I didn’t want to believe it though. Who would kill their mother? My brother wouldn’t have done that,” Chrysler expressed to the station. “But I couldn’t deny it anymore when the investigator told me he had done it.”
Chrysler reflected on how Arroyo's unwavering support for her son may have led to her tragic end.
"She was always there for him. My mom would always do for him, no matter what he did. She forgave him and tried to help him the best she could. She would say, 'He is my son, what am I to do?'"
A GoFundMe page set up by a friend described Arroyo as "one of the kindest, most selfless, and undoubtedly loyal people" they had ever known.
The fundraiser highlighted her dedication to rescuing dogs from shelters and her ability to make the most out of life despite its hardships.
"Regina’s family was her first priority. Her children are enduring an indescribable loss. Let’s honor Regina by showing the same care and compassion she extended to everyone she met."
Terry Lee Self Jr. was arrested on July 1.
He is currently held without bond in Richland County on an unrelated charge.
Regina Arroyo lived about 60 miles south of Columbia in Barnwell.
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