Boyfriend Charged in Sangaree Slaying of Mother, Daughter

The Sangaree community continues to reel following the discovery of the grisly double homicide of a woman and her 8-year-old daughter earlier this week.

Wednesday, Berkeley County Sheriff's Office released information to media saying the woman's boyfriend has been named a suspect and charged in the murders. He has been arrested in Virginia Beach.

Riley Burdick, 8, and Ashley Kaney, 26, were killed. Their bodies were found Tuesday after Riley's school, Sangaree Intermediate, authorized a welfare check when she was noted absent. According to the Post and Courier, Riley was strangled to death and was found in her bed. 

The authorities have pointed the finger at Kaney's boyfriend Jacob Theophilus Phillip, 22, a student at the Nuclear Power Training School in Goose Creek. A Summerville resident, Phillip was arrested in Virginia Beach, where he allegedly confessed to authorities, according to Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. 

Berkeley County School District released a statement Wednesday saying Sangaree Intermediate has implemented a crisis response plan for students and staff. Communication went out to all parents Wednesday. Additional school counselors and district-level support staff were on-hand at the school, assisting the community in processing this tragedy. Counseling and grief supports will continue to be available throughout the week.

“This is an unspeakable tragedy. On behalf of the district, I offer my condolences, and  our hearts and prayers are with Riley’s and Ms. Kaney’s loved ones and the entire Sangaree community," said Berkeley County School District Superintendent Dr. Rodney Thompson.