Son stabs 81-year-old mother to death in her Horry County home. What we know
A stabbing death of a Galivants Ferry woman in her home Tuesday has been ruled a homicide.
Ruth Athanasopoulos, 81, died after she was stabbed about 6 p.m. at the home on Highway 712, according to Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard by email.
Kevin James Athanasopoulos, 58, has been charged with murder in the case. The man is the woman’s son, according to a text from Horry County director of public information Thomas Bell. He lived with the victim, according to a police report.
Horry County Police responded to the home in reference to a welfare check complaint. A person told police that she was unable to reach the victim at her home.
Kevin James Athanasopoulos had been brought back to the home from the hospital that day after having some mental issues, a police report said.
When officers arrived, Ruth Athanasopoulos was found dead in a bathroom.
Kevin James Athanasopoulos was later found on Highway 501 and after a chase, was stopped by police and taken into custody, the report said.
In an interview with police, Kevin James Athanasopoulos admitted to police that he stabbed the woman, an arrest warrant said.
Kevin James Athanasopoulos was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Wednesday where he remained Thursday without bond.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 9:29 AM.
