Johns Island, South Carolina – A 28-year-old South Carolina woman has been arrested and charged with murder after investigators say she intentionally struck and killed a man with her SUV, then drove past the crime scene the following day in a vehicle later found to be spattered with the victim’s blood.
According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Phoebe Grace Armstrong is facing one count of murder in connection with the death of a man found unresponsive on North Edenvale Road on Johns Island.
Man Found Dead in Roadway
Deputies were dispatched to North Edenvale Road on the morning of December 1, after receiving multiple reports of a man lying motionless in the street. When officers arrived, they determined the victim was already deceased.
According to an arrest affidavit, investigators immediately noticed what appeared to be tire marks on the victim’s body, raising concerns that he had been struck by a vehicle.
The victim’s name has not yet been released by authorities.
Suspect Drove Past Active Crime Scene
While deputies were still processing the scene, investigators say Armstrong suspiciously drove past the area in her white 2019 BMW X3.
Deputies observed dried blood on the exterior of the SUV, which later tested presumptive positive for human blood, according to court documents.
Armstrong was stopped and agreed to speak with investigators.
Conflicting Statements Raise Red Flags
During her interview, Armstrong admitted she had been with the victim the night before but claimed she dropped him off at another location and went straight home, according to the affidavit.
However, investigators say digital evidence contradicted her account.
After obtaining search warrants for Armstrong’s cellphone and vehicle, deputies reviewed GPS data and videos that placed her at or near the scene around the time of the incident.
GPS and Video Evidence Tie Suspect to Scene
GPS data from Armstrong’s phone showed her vehicle traveled along a connecting road and left the area where the victim’s body was found between approximately 8:00 p.m. and 8:33 p.m. on November 30, the affidavit states.
Video recorded on Armstrong’s own phone allegedly shows her sitting in the driver’s seat while the victim is outside the vehicle, walking away, between 8:25 p.m. and 8:28 p.m.
Investigators say the footage was recorded during a domestic dispute between Armstrong and the victim.
History of Domestic Violence Cited
According to the affidavit, Armstrong and the victim had an extensive history of domestic violence, with both individuals previously listed as victims and defendants in past incidents.
Investigators believe the confrontation escalated shortly after the video was recorded.
Surveillance Footage Adds to Evidence
Authorities also obtained surveillance footage from a Circle K gas station, where Armstrong allegedly stopped after the dispute.
The video reportedly shows Armstrong walking around her vehicle while using her cellphone flashlight, behavior investigators found suspicious.
Forensic Evidence Confirms Victim’s Blood on SUV
Forensic investigators later collected blood samples from the driver-side undercarriage and inside the driver-side rear wheel of Armstrong’s SUV.
Testing confirmed the blood belonged to the victim, according to charging documents.
Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death
An autopsy conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina determined the victim died from blunt force trauma to the thoracic cavity, injuries consistent with being crushed by a motor vehicle, investigators said.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Armstrong was arrested on a murder warrant and is currently being held at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.
Jail records show she is being held without bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for February 6, 2026.
Ongoing Investigation
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has indicated the investigation is ongoing. Additional charges or details may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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