Tragic Death of South Carolina Woman Linked to Possible Revenge Killing

A woman from South Carolina, who thought she was purchasing a puppy, was fatally attacked, shot, and her body set on fire in a car left by the roadside.

Dana Marie Kinlaw, 40, was reportedly lured to a remote area in Effingham, South Carolina, on January 22nd, where she was allegedly murdered by 19-year-old Ilianna Jalissa Fleming, 31-year-old Daquin Taheen Thomas, and Nikko Christopher Carraway.

Investigators suspect Kinlaw’s murder was a retaliatory act tied to a previous homicide in nearby Darlington County.

Kinlaw had been along for a ride with Fleming when they stopped on Atlantic Road near Spring Branch Road, deep in a wooded area, about 150 miles from Columbia.

“Maybe they did go out there together,” said Florence County Sheriff TJ Joy. “Fleming, who is a friend of Kinlaw’s, may have brought her there under the pretense of buying a puppy.”

Fleming and Thomas are accused of orchestrating a fake puppy sale, leading Kinlaw to the location where the alleged ambush took place.

The sheriff’s office reported that Kinlaw was shot before the suspects allegedly poured a flammable substance on her and set fire to her body inside the vehicle.

When police responded to reports of a car fire, they found the vehicle still ablaze with a human body inside.

Coroner Keith Von Lucken identified the remains as Kinlaw’s and ordered an autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, though results have yet to be released.

Fleming and Thomas were apprehended shortly after Kinlaw’s death, facing charges of murder, arson, and unlawful possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Caraway was arrested a short time later with similar charges.

Authorities indicated that Kinlaw’s murder may be connected to another slaying in Darlington County involving Kinlaw’s son, though specific details about that case remain undisclosed.

“There was a homicide in Darlington County, and we believe it ties into this situation,” Joy explained. “We suspect her son was involved, and this could be seen as revenge for that incident.”

Records show that both Thomas and Caraway have extensive criminal histories, including charges for attempted murder and armed robbery.

In March 2025, Thomas received a nine-month prison sentence for illegal firearm possession as a felon.