A South Carolina woman was fatally shot and her body set on fire after she was allegedly lured to what authorities described as a “fake” puppy sale.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Dana Kinlaw, was found dead inside a vehicle on January 22.
Law enforcement officials said three suspects have been taken into custody and charged with murder.
Investigators stated that Kinlaw was enticed to a rural residence by a friend, Fleming, under the pretense of a puppy sale.
Once there, she was ambushed by the three suspects, officials said.
Two of the accused — Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, 19, and Daquinn Taheen Thomas, 31 — were arrested on January 23.
A third suspect, Nikko Carraway, 31, was arrested on Wednesday.
In addition to murder, the suspects face charges of first-degree arson and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye told Fox News that Kinlaw was shot in the head before a liquid substance was poured on her body and she was set on fire inside the vehicle.
Authorities believe the killing may have been an act of retaliation connected to a separate homicide in neighboring Darlington County, in which Kinlaw’s son was suspected of being involved.
A comprehensive investigation into the case is ongoing. “We are trying to establish the motive behind the attack. As the investigation proceeds, we may add more charges,” said an official.
