DailyKenn.com — Four people have been arrested and charged in connection with the June 26 shooting death of 61‑year‑old Patricia Britt of Blenheim, S.C., at the Pantry West convenience store at South of the Border, officials say.
Dillon County deputies responded to the store just before 3 p.m. Thursday after Britt was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Medical examiners pronounced her dead at the scene, and the Dillon County Coroner identified her the following day.
Investigators say they quickly determined multiple suspects were involved. On Thursday, 39‑year‑old Tina Rebecca Pernell of Hamer was arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact to murder.
On Friday, authorities took into custody 19‑year‑old Ja’Heem Antwan Pernell and 22‑year‑old Aalyiah Monique Priest, both also of Hamer. Each faces charges of murder and armed robbery, and Ja’Heem Pernell is additionally charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Later that day, 24‑year‑old Monika Alexis Lee of Dillon was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Bond hearings were held Thursday in Dillon County Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Tony Britt. Bond was denied for Ja’Heem Pernell, Priest and Tina Pernell due to the gravity of their charges. Monika Lee was granted bond set at $75,000.
Sheriff Jamie Hamilton and the coroner have said an autopsy has been scheduled at MUSC to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
All four suspects are currently incarcerated at the Dillon County Detention Center. Their first court appearance in Dillon County General Sessions Court is scheduled for July 23.
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Detective Ryan Bethea at the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office.
Sources:
“4 arrested in deadly South of the Border shooting of 61‑year‑old woman,” WPDE
https://wpde.com/news/local/ms-pat-south-of-the-border-dead-shooter-name-mugshot-wanted-manager-store-clerk-south-carolina-dillon
“4 arrested in deadly South of the Border shooting in Dillon County; Victim ID’d,” WMBF News
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/06/27/4-arrested-deadly-south-border-shooting-dillon-county-victim-idd/
“3 of 4 suspects denied bond in South of the Border shooting,” WPDE
https://wpde.com/news/local/south-of-the-border-shooting-2025-monika-alexis-lee-dillon-county-bond-amount-judge-case-arrest-mugshot
“Bond denied for three suspects in South of the Border deadly shooting,” WMBF News
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/06/30/bond-denied-three-suspects-south-border-deadly-shooting/
“Bond hearings held on four suspects charged in connection with murder of Blenheim woman,” The Dillon County News
https://dillonnews.org/bond-hearings-held-on-four-suspects-charged-in-connection-with-murder-of-blenheim-woman/
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