Family mourns woman who was found fatally shot in her car: ‘She was a good person’

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) - Authorities in South Carolina are investigating after a Conway woman was found dead inside a car earlier this week.

Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said 33-year-old Katelyn Bennett was discovered “after having been shot” in the area of Gore Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Bennett’s family described her as a light to many, a loving mother and a kind person. They said she was recently baptized and was working on her life.

Family also revealed Bennett is the second person in her immediate family to die from gun violence in a single decade, telling WMBF that her father was shot and killed in 2016. The man convicted in that case is serving a 30-year sentence.

The Horry County Police Department confirmed Bennett was found in a car near Gore Road and South Carolina Highway 905. A department spokesperson said police were called after initial reports of a vehicle in a ditch.

The incident has left surrounding neighbors concerned.

“At first, it was a car accident, but how did a car get backward in a ditch?” asked a neighbor.

That neighbor, who originally witnessed the large law enforcement presence, wished to remain anonymous, citing fears for her safety with the gunman still possibly on the run.

“It’s kind of hard to get in a car accident that no one else travels on in the daytime, in the afternoon,” said the neighbor. “It’s a bit scary, it’s a bit disturbing. I sure hope they find out what’s going on.”

In the meantime, those who lived by Bennett also mourned her loss. Some said Bennett was a kind-hearted woman and was generous around the community. They also said she always looked out for others while battling her struggles.

“I was going through cancer treatment and she was always checking on me,” said William Mulrain. “She was a good person. She went through a lot.”

Bennett’s family asked for privacy, wishing that her family and child can grieve the tragedy in peace.

Copyright 2024 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.