Arrest made in 'brutal' murder investigation in South Carolina, police said

A suspect has been arrested in the "brutal" murder of a South Carolina woman in Berkeley County, according to the local sheriff.

Salin Mojica Hernandez, 32, was placed under arrest and charged with murder in connection to the shooting, the Berkley County Sheriff announced this week.

On July 20, deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive woman.

They found that the victim, Marie De La Cruz Chavarria, 29, had suffered from multiple gunshot wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff's office. 

The office called the murder "brutal" in a news release announcing the arrest but did not release additional details on why they described the killing in that manner.

Police believe the crime was domestic-violence related.

“Domestic violence crimes can be some of the most heinous crimes that occur,” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said. “We urge any victim of domestic violence to please come forward before it’s too late. There are resources that are available.”

Hernandez is currently being held at Hill-Finklea Detention Center without bond. In South Carolina, only a circuit court judge can set bond on a murder charge.