Columbia, South Carolina – Two months after the discovery of a woman’s body in her home, the Columbia Police Department announced that her 24-year-old son, Michael Ray Joyner, has been charged with murder. The victim, 66-year-old Mary Wilson, was found on September 14, and Joyner is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Wilson’s body was discovered by a male acquaintance during a welfare check at her home in the 300 block of Byron Road, near Exit 9 on Interstate 77. Initially deemed a suspicious death, the Richland County Coroner’s Office later revealed that Wilson had died from blunt force trauma, prompting a homicide investigation.

Authorities suspect that the mother and son had engaged in an argument prior to Wilson’s death. Joyner, who has a history of assault and battery charges, is held without bond and is also facing a probation violation in Richland County. Records show that he has pleaded guilty or been convicted of three assault and battery charges since 2020.

The tragic story of Mary Wilson’s homicide has shed light on the issue of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. The circumstances surrounding her death have raised concerns about the need for greater awareness and intervention to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community is grappling with the loss of an individual whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. Authorities continue to investigate the case as the family and friends of Mary Wilson mourn her untimely death. The Columbia Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.