Barnwell, SC: Husband accused of killing wife in Barnwell County

BARNWELL, S.C. - It's the first murder case of 2009 for the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say Samual Johnican killed his wife, Denise Tuesday. The two lived in Barnwell County with their three children.

Investigators say there are reports that the couple had issues in the past.

Tuesday afternoon investigators say Samual killed Denise after the two had an altercation in their home. According to the Barnwell County Coroner, Denise died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Samual then took off after the incident in a silver gray Honda. He was picked up in Morgan County Georgia on the side of I-20.

The Barnwell County Sheriff says this murder may be hardest on the children left behind.

“The saddest part of this situation is you go to school and you have both parents and you get off the bus and one is in jail and the other is deceased. It's got to be a tough situation for the children,” Sheriff Ed Carroll said.

26 News also spoke with a woman who lives next door to the Johnican's. She says Denise was an attentive mother and some of her last hours were spent tending to her children.

“She was a wonderful mother. Yesterday morning she went to the school to have a conference with the teachers she was a caring and concerned mother,” said Ruby Felder, neighbor.

Felder says the children will be well taken care of. The sheriff says it's likely other family members will step in. Samual should have a bond hearing Friday.

The Barnwell County Sheriff's Office says they're still trying to figure out the motive for the murder.