Law & Crime

South Carolina Woman Dana Kinlaw Killed After Meeting to Buy Puppy, Three Charged

January 29, 2026

Dana Marie Kinlaw, 40, was found dead inside a burning vehicle in Effingham, South Carolina, after going to buy a puppy on January 22, 2026.
Investigators say Kinlaw arrived with 19-year-old Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, and deputies discovered the body when responding to a vehicle fire.
Fleming and 31-year-old Daquinn Taheen Thomas were arrested within hours and charged with murder, first-degree arson, and a weapons offense.
Nikko Christopher Carraway was arrested January 28 and faces the same murder, arson, and weapon charges, while investigators probe a possible retaliation link.

EFFINGHAM, SOUTH CAROLINA — Dana Marie Kinlaw, 40, was killed after she traveled to a rural area for what she believed was a meeting to buy a puppy, investigators allege. Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with the case.

*Dana Marie Kinlaw was found inside a burning vehicle in Effingham, South Carolina, on January 22, 2026.*

Meetup Along Rural Road Led to Car Fire Call

Sheriff’s officials said Kinlaw went to Atlantic Road near Springbranch Road on January 22. Investigators allege she arrived in the area with Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, 19, who was described as a friend.

Deputies were called after a report of a vehicle on fire in the area. When responders arrived, they discovered a human body inside the burning vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

*Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle fire along Atlantic Road near Springbranch Road in Effingham.*

Coroner Identified Victim, Autopsy Pending

Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken identified the remains as Kinlaw. Officials said her body was sent to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for an autopsy. Results had not been released as of the latest update.

Three Arrested and Charged With Murder, Arson, Weapons Offense

Fleming and Daquinn Taheen Thomas, 31, were arrested within hours of Kinlaw’s death, according to investigators. Both were charged with murder, first-degree arson, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Nikko Christopher Carraway was arrested on January 28 and charged with the same offenses, officials said.

*Iryanna Jarissa Fleming, Daquinn Taheen Thomas, and Nikko Christopher Carraway were each charged with murder, first-degree arson, and a weapons offense, officials said.*

Investigators Cite Possible Retaliation Link

Officials said they believe the killing was connected to a separate murder investigation in Darlington County. Authorities also stated the case may involve Kinlaw’s son, but no additional details were released.

For more crimes related to meet-up setups and retaliation killings, check out our video here: