Man Dies of Heart Attack While Digging a Grave for a Woman He Just Strangled (Allegedly!)

A South Carolina man died of a heart attack while digging a grave for his girlfriend, who police believe he strangled inside of his home.

After receiving a call regarding an unresponsive man in his yard, police arrived to discover 60-year-old Joseph McKinnon’s body. Authorities also found a second body

in a freshly dug pit.”

Police later confirmed the body to be that of Patricia Ruth Dent, 65, who reportedly lived with McKinnon. Police said in a press release,

Evidence gathered at the scene, along with statements from witnesses aided investigators to build a timeline, leading us to believe that Mr. McKinnon attacked Ms. Dent while inside their home.”

Neighbors told police they saw McKinnon digging a hole in his yard the day before. Police said,

Mr. McKinnon then bound her and wrapped her in trash bags before putting her in the previously dug pit.”

Autopsies were performed on both bodies, and the cause of death for Mr. McKinnon was confirmed to be a cardiac event. Ms. Dent was found to have died by strangulation.”

Authorities believe McKinnon had almost finished digging the grave when he set the shovel down, walked away and collapsed due to cardiac arrest.