LEXINGTON, S.C. – Lexington County deputies have charged a man with murder in the death of his girlfriend.
The woman was found dead in a Wynnsum Trail home in June. She has been identified as Patricia Smerdell, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.
Scott Mattison Horton, 53, was charged with murder in the beating death detectives said happened between June 18-20, according to arrest warrants.
“After reviewing evidence and a pathology report, investigators determined Horton physically assaulted Ms. Smerdell,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Her death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy.”
A pathologist said the victim’s injuries were inflicted upon her rather than suffered in an accident as suggested by Horton, according to Koon.
Horton was arrested Thursday. He’s being held in the Lexington County Detention Center while he awaits a bond hearing.