Arrest Made In Murder Of Former Molino Resident

December 6, 2010

(Updated) A former Molino resident’s boyfriend has been charged with her murder after her body was found late last week in South Carolina.

Cherokee County (SC) Coroner Dennis Fowler said Winter Delane Windgard’s body was found on the side of a rural road last Thursday.  Fowler said Monday that Wingard, 26, died as the result of  hemorrhages caused by blunt force injury to her head.  Fowler said the victim was severely beaten in the head and neck and strangled.  In addition, the coroner said Wingard sustained multiple stab wounds to the neck.

Monday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office charged Joey L. Clark of Mooresboro N.C. with Wingard’s death. He is being held without bond.

Wingard’s mother reported  the 26-year old missing Thursday night, saying that she was last seen about 1:30 that morning as she left her home in Gaffney, SC.,  in her mother’s vehicle to go to a store.

“I felt horrible; I don’t know how to describe it,” Winter Wingard’s sister Summer Wingard said Sunday.

Summer Wingard said the sisters formerly lived on Molino Road. Winter Wingard attended Molino Elementary, Ransom Middle and Tate High before completing her education online.

Gaffney is a town of about 13,000 people about 20 miles northeast of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A memorial service for Winter Delane Wingard will be held Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home on Beverly Parkway in Pensacola.

Comments

25 Responses to “Arrest Made In Murder Of Former Molino Resident”

  1. Shantel on February 17th, 2016 8:17 am

    My condolences to the family of Winter. After hearing about this sad news from a colleague, I want to provide you comfort. May you continue to support one another and look forward to God’s promise to see your loved one again. (Acts 24:15) With warm regards.

  2. Ashley Swint on August 17th, 2012 6:53 am

    I met Winter when I was 16 and living in hilton head,sc. For almost 2 years I’d come out to Pensacola for weeks at a time and stay with her at her moms and Emils. I had been talking to her quite frequently when this happened and I was just shocked. She had told me just a day or so before that she was scared to tell him something and I remeber telling her it would be ok…. I think about you all the time,Winter… I miss you eveeyday and I hope u rest in peace.

  3. Shanananon... on December 2nd, 2011 6:00 pm

    Its your one year anniversary since the robbery of your life. I miss you dearly tonight friend! You gave me so many fun and awesome memories that i’ve reflected on so much today. How I would love for one of the old phone calls asking if me and mindy needed anything. Then to watch you only moments later walk in the door with that bright smile of yours. You were so sharing! We miss you sweet friend! My heart a year later aches deeply for you! I pray for justice from the sick soul that robbed your life.
    Xoxoxo I love you girly

  4. Samantha Smith on November 16th, 2011 6:33 pm

    As a kid Winter and I spent many days skating and hanging out together. My family has always cared about her as have I. It broke my heart to hear this news..She will be dearly missed. My thoughts go to Summer, Beverly, and her other friends and family.

  5. Marla Krull on December 13th, 2010 1:49 pm

    OMG–seems like just yesterday I taught Winter in first grade. She was always sooooo sweet and helpful to everyone and truly a delightful friend to all. I treasure my memories of her and send prayers to her family and friends. May you rest in peace my sweet Winter.

  6. Ericca Jackson on December 13th, 2010 10:46 am

    Ms. Cristofoletti just informed me of the tragic news. I was also in Winter’s class throughout elementary. My condolences to her family and close friends. Unfortunately, I do not live on that end of Florida anymore, so I won’t be able to pay my respects.

  7. Alicia on December 8th, 2010 10:32 pm

    Beverly and family,
    I am so sorry to hear about this terrible tragedy. Our prayers are with you that God will give you strength and comfort. May God be with you all during this very difficult time.

  8. nicole on December 8th, 2010 6:55 pm

    ============================== I remember when we met in 2001 ….you were the youngest in the bunch..a smile so addicitve..Our whole group met, and spawned a friendship and hung out every day…you were always the one to make us laugh…me and Leandra would take random great trips with you to New Orleans to see Ani Difranco, and anywhere life would take us…you changed the world to anyones life you were in…you were amazing and you were a GIVER… now, I give this to you my friend…………… a life of peace, and eternal love ………… Love NIcole @——–{——-

  9. Jessica on December 7th, 2010 10:59 pm

    May God Bless her family and the lord be with them! you can do all thing through Christ! Put all things in God’s hand he will show you the way! She is in a better place knowing that yall will be with her eventually!! God Bless All Family Members!!!

  10. Lindsey Robinson on December 7th, 2010 10:10 am

    My prayers are with you guys, Winter will be missed terribly. She touched the lives of everyone she met and I will always remember the good times we had growing up together. Stay strong

  11. Angi B. on December 7th, 2010 7:14 am

    Such a sad and tragic thing to happen. To the family, friends and loved ones of Winter, I am truly sorry about you loss, May god give you all the strength to get past all of this horrifying tragedy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all…

  12. Horrific! on December 7th, 2010 7:07 am

    How very awful.
    I hope her last moments were fast and painless.
    Rest in peace young lady.

    For the family …Hugs
    from my family to yours.

  13. Clinton Curly Brooks on December 6th, 2010 11:11 pm

    I don’t know the family,but,my heart goes out to them.

  14. Kay Campbell on December 6th, 2010 10:10 pm

    Beverly & Summer, you are both in my thoughts & prayers. Winter was a very special young lady, who will be missed by all. She alway’s had a smile & a hug when I saw her. She alway’s made us laugh , when she was on my ballteam @ Molino Ballpark, I alway’s called her “Sunshine”. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Winter!!:

  15. Mary Denham on December 6th, 2010 9:33 pm

    Beverly,
    I am so sorryfor your loss. Summer and Winter used to come to my house every summer when they were children and swim in the pool. Every time I saw her out in public she would hug me and we would remember the good times when she was a child. I share your pain and loss of your dear child. I love you too and my prayers go out to you and Summer.

  16. Daniel Andrews on December 6th, 2010 9:04 pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Winters Family.

  17. OBryan on December 6th, 2010 8:24 pm

    Im so sorry for your loss Bev, my heart and prayers will be for you daily.

  18. blakest28 on December 6th, 2010 4:51 pm

    I worked with Winter and still work with Beverly, Winter always had a bright smile for everyone, she will be missed. Prayers with Beverly, Summer and all her family

  19. Tonya Whitaker on December 6th, 2010 4:19 pm

    Beverly- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  20. Teresa on December 6th, 2010 3:51 pm

    I was in all of Winter’s classes in Molino elementary, im sorry for the loss. Prayers to the Family.

  21. DJDizee on December 6th, 2010 3:23 pm

    Winter was a great friend to me and I will forever cherish the many awesome memories we’ve had. Rest in peace my dear friend.

  22. interested reader on December 6th, 2010 3:10 pm

    Our prayers go out to the Windgard family. God is with you at this terrible time, lean on Him and He will get you through this.

  23. So Sorry on December 6th, 2010 9:07 am

    My daughter went to school with Winter since kindergarten, I helped in the class sometimes and she was such a sweet little girl. Very sorry to her family for your loss.

  24. JDAVIS on December 6th, 2010 7:57 am

    Very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with Winter’s family. I went to middle and high school with her; she was a very outgoing personality

  25. GirlnGreen on December 6th, 2010 5:42 am

    Prayers to her mom. Sweet Sweet lady!!!! Played ball in molino with Winter cheerful friend. Sad story! Hug your family tight!