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Reporter David Ferrara is a reporter for The Post and Courier Greenville, covering public safety, courts and breaking news in Upstate S.C. He graduated from Clemson University in May 2023.
David Ferrara
GREENVILLE — A man charged with murder after the death of a Travelers Rest woman last week was found dead in the Greenville County jail.
The Greenville County Coroner's Office said 39-year-old Michael Clarkson died by suicide June 1 after he was found hanging in his cell the day before, according to a news release.
Clarkson was arrested and charged with murder May 28 for the death of his partner, 40-year-old Colleen D'Ortona.
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D'Ortuna's body was found inside their home off Velo Way in Travelers Rest early in the morning of May 28, according to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.
Clarkson was identified as the primary suspect because of his relationship with D'Ortuna, according to a news release. Authorities raided his car repossession business off Highway 123 that afternoon to search for him, but Clarkson had fled to Anderson County. Greenville and Anderson sheriff's deputies arrested him later that afternoon.
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Clarkson did not act alone, authorities said, as arrest warrants charge 38-year-old Cherith Crown with accessory after the fact of murder and obstruction for her role in the killing.
Both Clarkson and Crown had a "previous relationship," but a Greenville Sheriff's Office spokesman declined to specify the nature of the relationship.
The investigation is ongoing, the sheriff's office said. Crown remains in custody at the Greenville County jail on no bond.
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David Ferrara
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David Ferrara is a reporter for The Post and Courier Greenville, covering public safety, courts and breaking news in Upstate S.C. He graduated from Clemson University in May 2023.
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