Monday, July 30, 2012

Bennettsville, SC: Man admits to killing girlfriend

Vondell Malachi pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend, Tekeyia Easterling, Monday afternoon.

Malachi shot and killed her last April in Bennettsville. He then took her to Marlboro Park Hospital and left.

Prosecutors say Easterling was dead when she got to the hospital.

Malachi dropped the couple's then seven-month-old son out of the car and proceeded to lead police on a 20 mile chase. They arrested him nearly 18 hours later following a standoff.

Easterling's parents have custody of the baby. They say he's 22 months old and suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of being dropped from the car.

They say they're pleased with his conviction and that it has lifted a heavy burden off of them.

Malachi also pleaded guilty to Unlawful Neglect of a Child, Failure to Stop for a Blue Light and Assault and Battery with Intent to Kill. He has to serve 85 percent of his prison sentence before he's eligible for parole.

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