Woman shot her husband to death in their residence nearly a month after she got served with divorce papers and then claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse; charged

South Carolina – In a shocking incident that unfolded over the weekend in South Carolina, a 41-year-old woman, identified as J. Ray, has been charged with the murder of her husband, highlighting a deeply troubled marriage. Ray is accused of fatally shooting her 43-year-old husband, identified as G. Baughman, multiple times in the back at their residence. This gruesome act has sent ripples through their community, leaving many to ponder the escalating marital discord that led to such a violent conclusion.

The incident was first reported to the sheriff’s office around 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024. According to reports, law enforcement responded to a distress call at the couple’s home. Upon arrival, officers encountered Ray walking from the backyard to the front of the house. She was detained immediately and placed in a sheriff’s patrol car while deputies proceeded to investigate inside the home.

Inside, they discovered Baughman lying on the floor unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Nearby, officers found multiple empty bullet casings and a black handgun on the kitchen counter, believed to be the murder weapon. The coroner’s office pronounced Baughman dead at the scene at 6:30 p.m., with an autopsy was scheduled to follow.

The arrest warrant for Ray provided chilling details about the circumstances of the shooting. It stated that Ray shot her husband “multiple times in the back and multiple times while he was lying on the floor,” suggesting a deliberate and sustained attack. The document outlined that Ray acted with malice aforethought, indicating premeditation in the tragic act.

While authorities have not explicitly disclosed a motive behind the killing, it was revealed that the couple had been experiencing significant marital problems. They had separated since late August 2024, and Baughman had recently initiated divorce proceedings, which included stipulations to prevent the depletion of marital assets and a request for a “no adverse contact” order. According to reports, Ray got served with the divorce papers on November 9.

Further complicating the narrative, Ray’s attorney presented her as a victim of domestic abuse during her initial court appearance. It was claimed that Ray had been hospitalized the previous month due to injuries inflicted by Baughman. Ray had hesitated to press charges against her husband, fearing the potential impact on his career as a Marine.

The couple co-owned a hospital for animals. In light of the incident, the hospital released a statement expressing their intention to continue operations and uphold their commitment to the community and the care of animals.

As the legal process unfolds, Ray remains in custody without bond, with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for March 14, 2025. She was also ordered to refrain from contacting members of the victim’s family. This tragic event underscores the often-hidden struggles within personal relationships and the devastating impact they can have when they escalate beyond control. As the community and the families involved cope with the aftermath, many are left hoping for healing and justice in this profoundly sorrowful situation.