Blenheim hostage situation ends in murder-suicide

A man apparently killed his wife, then himself at their Blenheim home Wednesday after a standoff with law enforcement officers, Marlboro County Coroner Tim Brown said.

The victims identified as Debra Henderson and Bobby Henderson , but both were 42 and died as a result of gunshot wounds. Their bodies were sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for autopsies, Brown said.

Brown said Thursday afternoon, that autopsy results show that both died of single gunshot wounds to the head.

A man barricaded himself and his wife inside their home on Ayers Road at S.C. 38, near Parker’s Used Cars, according to a S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services agent at the scene.

The standoff began about 3 p.m. and ended about 7 p.m.

Initial reports indicated two children were also inside the home, but that wasn’t the case, Brown said.

The couple had four children, but none were at the residence, the coroner said.

In addition to Marlboro County sheriff’s deputies and Bennettsville police, State Law Enforcement Division SWAT agents responded to the scene.

According to a SLED background check obtained by WBTW, Henderson faced previous charges of Criminal Domestic Violence, Assault and Battery, Burglary, Resisting Arrest and Failure to Stop for a Blue Light.

During the time of the murder-suicide and hostage situation, Henderson was on probation for a burglary charge from July of 2008.

Wednesday's hostage situation is the second hostage situation in Marlboro County in a year’s time.

In February, Bennettsville man who police said held a woman hostage in a Bennettsville home for more than 24 hours was indicted on federal gun charges.

Brian Sentell Brand, 29, of Bennettsville is charged in the indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Walter Wilkins said.

Brand is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill and kidnapping in connection with a Lawson Street standoff that began on the afternoon of Dec. 10.

Family members of the victims said a man armed with a gun went to the residence, which belongs to the suspect’s ex-girlfriend’s mother.

They said the mother was able to escape, but the ex-girlfriend was forced to stay inside.

The ex-girlfriend’s sister, who also lives in the mobile home, was shot in the leg, her family members said.

The 25-year-old hostage managed to escape from the suspect when he fell asleep. She took the gun from him, threw it out of the home and made it out safely.

After negotiating with officers, the suspect surrendered about five minutes after the hostage escaped.

Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil said no gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers.

Count on the Morning News, WBTW News13 and scnow.com for more information on this story as it becomes available.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

Angela E. Kershner/Morning News
Benita Adams, left, and Wendy Blue embrace as Kenneth Blue and his son Kiaeem Blue, 9, lean against a fence after hearing that their relative had been killed in a murder-suicide in Blenheim on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Angela E. Kershner/Morning News
Family and friends wait for news as the SLED SWAT Team leaves the scene of a murder-suicide in Blenheim on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Angela E. Kershner/Morning News
Marlboro County Coroner Tim Brown, left, Marlboro County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Charles Lemon and Sheriff Fred Knight prepare to speak to the press after a murder-suicide in Blenheim on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Angela E. Kershner/Morning News
Marlboro County Sheriff Fred Knight, left, and Chief Deputy Charles Lemon speak to family members during a hostage situation in Blenheim on Wednesday, August 12, 2009.