LANCASTER, S.C (WCNC). – Deputies in Lancaster County have charged a man with murder in connection with the death of his mother who used a wheelchair.
Robert Allen Hypes, 36, of Kershaw, was taken into police custody Thursday morning by Lancaster County authorities after his mother, Carolyn Marie Taurino, 57, was found dead in her home.
On Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to a bank in Kershaw concerning a suspicious man, later identified as Hypes, making inquiries concerning Taurino's account. Police say Hypes left the bank before deputies arrived.
The bank provided deputies with surveillance photos of a red 2003 Ford Econoline van that he drove to the bank. At about 3:30 p.m., a deputy saw the van and initiated traffic stop. After talking with Hypes, deputies obtained a phone number for Taurino's sister, who lives in another state. The woman told authorities that she had not talked with Taurino for several days and asked for a welfare check.
Deputies arrived at Taurino's home at around 5 p.m., but were unable to get anyone to come to the door. After forcing their way in, deputies found Taurino dead on the floor at a bedroom doorway. Officials determined that she died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Officials say the investigation is still ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.
