Marion County’s second homicide in eight days was highlighted by a court appearance Tuesday in which the suspect told a judge that she used a knife on the victim.
Felecia Ladell Blackwell, 47, of Columbia was arrested and charged with the murder of Perry Patton, 48, of Columbia. Blackwell is being held on a bond in the amount of $1.5 million.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for an unresponsive male Monday morning at 7:30 a.m. at 110 Expose Road, Columbia, according to Capt. Pete Williams. At the scene, deputies found Patton deceased in the front yard, Williams said. While investigating the death a short time later, Blackwell was located nearby and was arrested.
Williams said he believed the matter was domestically related.
Appearing before Justice Court Brandon Rowell, he asked her if she understood her rights and she consented.
According to Managing Editor Susan Amundson, who attended the hearing, Blackwell asked Rowell, “Did they find a body?”
Rowell reminded her she had the right to remain silent.
Blackwell told Rowell she did not believe that she killed him, it was only a steak knife she used. While the hearing continued she motioned to her left shoulder where the knife went.
Again Rowell reminded her she had to right to remain silent.
There was also a tampering with evidence charge against Blackwell which carries a $5,000 bond. Blackwell inquired about the charge and allegedly said she put the knife in the kitchen sink. Rowell said the knife was found in wrapped in clothes in the washing machine.
Rowell told her she needed to remain silent and sent her back to her seat. She kept talking and he told her if she did not stop talking she could be looking at a contempt charge. She made a sound and Rowell reminded her he can revoke her bond. Blackwell stayed silent afterwards.
Williams said if you have any information, please contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 736-5051.
On Aug. 30, the Columbia Police Department investigated a shooting death on Hale Street. Bryston Martin and Dayshon Allen were charged with second degree murder in that incident.
