Two Aiken Women Among Others Honored at Fatal Domestic Violence Ceremony

The 26th annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony was held this morning in Columbia to honor the 29 women and 7 men from across South Carolina who lost their lives to domestic violence last year.

Two Aiken County women were among those victims.  Both were murder-suicides.

Thirty-three-year-old Rosa Salguero-Landaverde was shot and killed by her husband, 37-year-old Yoni Vargas, at their home on Summerhill Avenue.  Investigators say their bodies were found in the master bedroom in their home.  Vargas reportedly fatally shot his wife, then turned the gun on himself.

Also in Aiken County, 34-year-old Lacey Toole was shot to death in her home on Pelzer Street in Warrenville.  The Aiken County Sheriff's Office says Toole was shot by her boyfriend, John Williams, before he turned the gun on himself.

Family members carried life-sized silhouettes representing the victims to the State House steps as a bell was rung for each victim.  An additional 37th silhouette was carried to represent potential unknown victims.

"In silence, we bear witness to the pain and loss caused by domestic violence.  It is a somber commitment to remember, to honor, and to break the cycle of abuse," said Attorney General Alan Wilson.  "By raising awareness and supporting survivors, we can help end the abuse, one act of courage and compassion at a time."

A report detailing data and trends across the nation related to men killing women shows that South Carolina has ranked in the top five for 11 years and the top 10 for 12 years.

In all, South Carolina recorded more than 26,000 cases of domestic violence last year throughout the state.