EASLEY — The Easley community is still in disbelief after the tragic death of a 15-year old Easley High student and his mother following what police are calling a murder-suicide on Saluda Dam Road last Thursday.
Sandy Lee Smith, 42, and her son Daniel Gabriel Smith were found dead from gunshot wounds on Thursday at their home. Police believe William D. Thomas, 61, killed the two and then shot himself while police were at the scene investigating.
According to a release from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 30 the PCSO received a 911 call from a male saying he had been shot and requested officers respond to 2423 Saluda Dam Road.
Officers arrived within six minutes and made entry into the dwelling to search for a victim and suspect. Upon entry, officers found Sandy Smith with a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
Deputies checked for signs of life and continued clearing the residence for other victims or the suspect. The 15-year-old male who had called 911, Daniel Gabriel Smith, was located in a bedroom with a gunshot wound under the chin area.
While continuing to search the house for the shooter, officers heard a gunshot from outside the residence. Upon responding to an area of several outbuildings located about 75 yards from the home, officers found Thomas with a gunshot wound to the head.
Thomas is the step-father of Daniel Smith and was married to Sandy Smith and is the suspect in the double homicide.
Investigators said it appears that the shootings stemmed from an ongoing domestic situation.
The case is still under investigation by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.