Police investigating West Ashley homicide after receiving call for welfare check

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston officers announced Tuesday they have arrested a suspect in connection to a West Ashley homicide.

Police responded to the MAA Westchase apartment complex before 4 p.m. Saturday after the North Charleston Police Department requested they conduct a welfare check.

When officers arrived, they found the victim deceased. The Charleston Police Department said the individual appeared to have been the victim of a violent assault.

Detectives arrested 44-year-old Jayme Ryan McKinney on the same day. An investigation revealed the victim and McKinney had been in a relationship.

McKinney was booked and charged with murder Tuesday after receiving treatment for an unrelated medical problem, police said. He is currently in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

The victim’s name has not yet been released. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please seek help. Call the police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for support and resources.

An investigation into the situation is ongoing. If you have information on the homicide, contact the police department at  843-720-2422 (ask for the on-duty Central Detective) or submit a tip online at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.