SOUTH CAROLINA — Authorities in Spartanburg County are investigating a homicide after a man died following two reported altercations involving his stepson.
According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Monteiro Merriweather has been charged with murder in connection with the death of his stepfather, 35-year-old Willie E. Beam. Merriweather was denied bond and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
Deputies said Merriweather initially told investigators that he and Beam had been assaulted at a home in Shelby, North Carolina. He reportedly claimed he drove Beam back to Spartanburg before Beam became unresponsive.
Beam was taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, according to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office. The coroner said the office responded to the hospital shortly before noon Sunday. Officials said the injury that led to Beam’s death occurred on Portrush Drive.
Investigators later said Merriweather admitted that he and Beam had been involved in two physical fights during the night. According to deputies, one altercation happened in Shelby and the second occurred in Spartanburg.
Deputies said Merriweather told investigators Beam became unresponsive during the second fight.
A forensic examination is scheduled for Monday as the investigation continues.
