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Coroner: Body Found Stuffed In A Closet In Hanahan Apartment

Image Courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.Net
Image Courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

HANAHAN, S.C.–Authorities say they are investigating a case involving a woman’s body found stuffed inside a Hanahan apartment on Election Day.

Her death has been ruled a homicide.

According to Berkeley County Coroner Bill Salisbury, around 2 p.m. on Tuesday his office was notified that a body was found in an apartment in the City of Hanahan.

Pictured: Michael Straight, Jr.
Pictured: Michael Strait, Jr.

“I responded to 5000 Mabeline Drive and found the body of 39-year-old Melanie Rivera stuffed in the closet,” stated Salisbury.

The coroner stated that Rivera’s body had been  in the closet for more than 24 hours.

Hanahan police say they eventually charged the victim’s boyfriend, Michael Patrick Strait, Jr. for her murder. He was arrested during a traffic stop Tuesday night, according to police.

Police say they discovered Rivera’s body when concerned co-workers requested a welfare check after they hadn’t heard from her in a few days.

Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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