Suspect in Travelers Rest death investigation has long criminal history

GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC (WSPA) — 7NEWS receives more information about the people arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Travelers Rest.

Greenville County officials were called to a home on Velo Way Tuesday morning where they found the body of a woman.

Investigators said they identified Michael Clarkson as a person of interest because he had a relationship with the woman. Officers collected evidence at the home and at Clarkson’s Greenville repossession business. During that time, officers said, Clarkson fled the area. He was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Anderson County and charged with murder.

Clarkson appeared in bail court on Wednesday. His bail was denied.

“Mr. Clarkson, this is a capital crime,” the judge said during the bail hearing on Wednesday. “I cannot set bail for you today.”

Records from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) show that Clarkson’s criminal history dates back to 2004. Between 2005 and 2009, he was charged with domestic violence at least five times, according to SLED. He was also charged with assault, grand theft and drug possession, among other offenses.

Officers also arrested Cherith Crown in connection with the investigation into Tuesday’s death. She is accused of assisting Clarkson despite knowing he had committed murder and attempting to destroy evidence on her phone. Crown has been charged with obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting murder.

On Tuesday, Crown’s lawyer asked the judge in bail court to grant her bail because she is a mother and a real estate agent and has no previous convictions. However, the judge did not grant her bail.

Clarkson and Crown are being held at the Greenville County Detention Center.