LIBERTY — A 21-year-old Upstate man was denied bond on Tuesday after being charged in the death of an 89-year-woman who was found dead in her home on Easter Sunday.
According to the Liberty Police Department (LPD), Margaret Alice Karr’s body was found at about 2:15 p.m. in a home on Mills Avenue in Liberty.
On Monday, Thomas James Chapman was identified as a potential suspect during a neighborhood canvas, according to LPD Chief Adam Gilstrap.
According to warrants, Chapman broke into the home, sexually assaulted the victim, strangled her, then cut her throat. Chapman also stole money from the home, warrants said.
It was reported Chapman, who was in court Tuesday morning, “held his head and cried” while the judge read him his rights.
Members of Alice Karr’s family were also in the courtroom.
“Our hope, our expectation is justice will be served on behalf of Alice Karr,” a family member told the judge. “And when justice is served the focus turns to Alice’s life and not to her death.”
Karr belonged to East Side Baptist Church, which released the following statement on April 12:
“Earth’s loss becomes Heaven’s gain with one of our long time members, Mrs. Alice Karr. She was one of the sweetest ladies and would do anything for anyone. She will be greatly missed. Please pray for her family, and for East Side as we mourn her loss. We will miss and always love you.”
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted with the investigation
Chapman has been charged with Murder, first degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, two counts of first degree Burglary, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Petit Larceny.
He remains in custody at the Pickens County Detention Center.
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