Body found in Aiken County woods identified as local man

The discovery of a deceased person in a wooded area near Senn Street and Vaucluse Road has been identified as 46-year-old Billy J. Reedy, Jr. of Aiken.

His fiancée, Donna Boatwright, 41, of Aiken, was identified as the suspect who shot him and was arrested Monday afternoon in Saluda County.

They had just had engagement photos taken a month ago and were living together, people close to the couple said. A motive is unclear.

Boatwright was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop by the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office Monday afternoon. Boatwright was then taken to the Aiken County Detention Center, where she is being held on murder and weapons charges.

The death occurred early Monday morning around 5:44 a.m. when an Aiken County sheriff’s deputy, who was on routine patrol in the area, came across a vehicle parked on the side of the road. The deputy found the body of a white male in a wooded area at the end of an embankment.

Emergency medical responders arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim dead at approximately 6:19 a.m. Monday, Coroner Darryl Ables said.

Preliminary investigation indicated the victim had at least one gunshot wound to the body. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday in Newberry to determine the exact cause of death.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reedy’s death is being conducted jointly by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office.

(Note: If you would like to share a photo of Billy Reedy Jr., please send it to 803-487-3224.)