MYRTLE BEACH, SC – An 18-year-old was given a 45-year prison sentence after he admitted to strangling his ex-girlfriend during a senior vacation. The sentence followed a plea agreement with prosecutors in Horry County.

Blake William Linkous, who was also 18 at the time, confessed to the murder of Natalie Jane Martin, marking a tragic end to both their young lives. In a victim impact statement, Natalie’s father, Jesse Martin, expressed his anger and grief, poignantly describing Linkous’s actions as cowardly.

The presiding judge, Deadra L. Jefferson, highlighted the harrowing nature of the crime. During the proceedings, she stressed how manual strangulation requires significant force and hinted at its brutality.

The court considered various factors, such as Linkous’s autism, his age, and the influence of alcohol during the incident. Despite these considerations, Jefferson concluded that a minimum sentence of 30 years would not suffice, given the severity of the crime.

Authorities were alerted to the incident on June 7, 2023, at a local hotel, determining the tragic event took place the day prior.

Brooklyn Ferrell, a friend of Martin’s, recounted that the couple had dated for several years before ending their relationship earlier in 2023. Despite the young couple’s breakup, they managed to maintain a friendship. Both attended Philo High School in Duncan Falls, Ohio, and had graduated shortly before the trip to Myrtle Beach, meant to be a celebration of their high school achievements.

While it was common for seniors to make such trips, as noted by Philo High School’s Principal Troy Dawson, the school district made it clear it was not an officially sanctioned event. Franklin Local School District’s Superintendent, Kacey Cottrill, confirmed the district’s non-involvement.

This tragic event stands as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate beyond control, leaving families to grapple with the emotional wreckage.