South Carolina Man Arrested for the Murder of His Mother, Found in Edisto River

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – A Columbia, South Carolina man, Terry Lee Self, Jr., has been arrested and charged with the murder of his mother, Regina Arroyo, originally from Barnwell. The grim discovery of her body by a canoer in the Edisto River on December 3 led authorities to investigate her son as a suspect.

Initial findings suggest that an argument at the suspect’s residence escalated before both left the house, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. Subsequent investigations concluded that Arroyo’s death was due to strangulation with a ligature. Sheriff Koon detailed that following the murder, the suspect allegedly transported and disposed of his mother’s body in the river.

Sheriff Koon expressed his department’s commitment to the ongoing investigation, highlighting their dedication over the past seven months. “We hope to eventually provide her family members and her loved

Solving this case and capturing Self was a complex task, requiring the meticulous gathering and analysis of evidence. It was a detective’s confirmation of the suspect and victim’s last known whereabouts that played a crucial role in piecing together the sequence of events leading to Arroyo’s death.

In a recent procedure, Self appeared before a magistrate and was denied bond. He remains detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County on an unrelated charge. The refusal of bond reflects the gravity of the accusations against him.

The local community has been shaken by this event, reflecting broader concerns about domestic violence. Such cases underscore the tragic dimensions these incidents can escalate to, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward, hoping to solidify the case’s foundation further and aid the grieving family in finding closure. As this case develops, the community remains vigilant, and local authorities are resolute in their pursuit of justice for victims and their families.