A wave of grief and disbelief has swept across the community as Natalie Martin, a recent graduate of Philo High School, was found murdered during a graduation trip to Myrtle Beach with her boyfriend now arrested
Her ex-boyfriend, Blake William Linkous, is in police custody for the alleged crime. Here is all you need to know about it.
Who is Blake William Linkous boyfriend of Ohio Philo High School graduate Natalie Martin arrested after she’s found murdered
Ohio graduate Natalie Martin’s dream trip turns tragic
Natalie Martin, an 18-year-old from Roseville, Ohio, embarked on a celebratory trip with friends following their graduation from Philo High School. However, joy quickly turned to tragedy as Martin was found strangled to death on June 7, in her hotel room on Maison Drive.
The Philo community suffered a terrible loss. All Donations go to the Martin family to help cover Natalie’s funeral expenses https://t.co/9Z3UbyuQGL
— Caitlin Rose 2024-UNCOMITTED (@CaitlinRose2024) June 8, 2023
Horry County Police Department stated that Natalie’s death appeared to be a premeditated act of manual strangulation. The motive behind the horrifying act remains unknown.
Martin and Linkous had been romantically involved for several years before mutually deciding to separate earlier this year, according to Brooklyn Ferrell, a friend of the victim. Despite their split, they continued to maintain a friendly relationship.
Grieving community reacts to shocking news
The devastating news of Natalie Martin’s untimely demise has rocked her community. Troy Dawson, Principal of Philo High School, expressed his sorrow, saying, “We’re hurting. It’s a tragedy. We are just shocked with disbelief.” He fondly remembered Natalie as a beloved student who was well-liked by her peers and teachers.
In response to the incident, the Franklin Local School District will offer counseling services to students and residents grappling with the tragic news. A GoFundMe page started by Brooklyn Ferrell to help with funeral expenses has raised over double its initial goal, reflecting the community’s deep sympathy and support for Martin’s family.
Arrest and investigation in Natalie Martin murder case
Blake William Linkous, Martin’s ex-boyfriend, is the person most likely to have killed her. On June 8, the Horry County Police Department arrested him. He is being held without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Centre. His arrest order says that he strangled Martin by hand and then left her body.
Natalie Martin’s death has left an indelible mark on her community. An obituary penned in her honor read, “Natalie’s beauty shined like a ray of sunlight and her smile could brighten a whole room…Her glowing blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes represented that she was truly an angel here on Earth.”
This tragic event underscores the devastating impacts of violence, leaving a young woman’s dreams unfulfilled and a community in mourning. As Natalie Martin’s story continues to unravel, one can only hope that justice will ultimately be served.
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