Man slays 2, kills himself

Estranged husband shoots to death wife, father-in-law

The Post and Courier
Tuesday, March 11, 2008


HUGER — Teneil Johnson was so terrified of her estranged husband that she took out a restraining order against him. She even considered installing a panic alarm button in her house. But he kept coming around, her relatives said.

On Sunday, not long after a sheriff's deputy left the house, Johnson's estranged husband paid his last visit.

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While their two children listened in horror, 34-year-old Arial Johnson entered through the front door, lifted a pistol and gunned down his father-in-law and then his wife before turning the gun on himself, Berkeley County Deputy Coroner Bill Salisbury said.

Teneil Johnson, 31, lived next door to her parents with the couple's 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Johnson's dad, 50-year-old Vince Carter, a welder and church deacon, had walked over Sunday night to check on her.

On Monday, a throng of relatives who gathered at the Carters' house on McDaniel Lane wanted to know why officials couldn't keep Arial Johnson away.

Arial and Teneil Johnson were married 12 years but separated three or four months ago, according to her mother, Joneatha Carter. He would come back to the house and threaten her, she said, and court records show he spent some time in jail last month after a judge found him guilty of hitting her. A restraining order was issued, but he kept returning, relatives said.

"She did the procedure, but now I'm feeling that the law didn't hold up to what they're supposed to do," said Sinclair McDaniel, one of Teneil's uncles. "I feel like they should have locked him up. The judge said he was not supposed to go on the property at all. ... But he came; he violated it over and over and over."

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The Post and Courier

Eighteen-year-old David Carter (left) talks with his uncle, Rogis McDaniel, on Monday morning in front of Carter's sister's home. Carter's father, Vince Carter, and sister, Teneil Johnson, were shot to death late Sunday by Johnson's estranged husband, Arial Johnson, who then killed himself.

Berkeley County sheriff's records show one complaint that Johnson was violating his restraining order — for calling his wife on her cell phone, according to Blair Jennings, legal counsel for the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the house on reports of domestic violence in December 2004 and November 2006, Jennings said. Arial Johnson, a truck driver, was accused of shoving his wife to the ground in one incident and punching her in the other. Both times Teneil Johnson declined to press charges, Jennings said.

On Feb. 3, deputies charged Arial Johnson with criminal domestic violence after he reportedly punched his wife again during an argument, Jennings said.

The incident spurred Teneil Johnson to petition the Family Court for a restraining order, which was granted on Feb. 21, barring him from contacting his wife, court records show.

Teneil Johnson filed a report with the sheriff's office just eight days later, accusing her husband of repeatedly calling her cell phone in violation of the court order, Jennings said. She made no reference to threats of violence or any visits to her property, he said.

Teneil Johnson also went to the sheriff's office Friday to meet with a victim's advocate about having a panic alarm button installed in her home, Jennings said.

The domestic violence charge was still pending at the time of the slayings. Arial Johnson had been scheduled to appear in court on the charge next week, Jennings said.

On Sunday night, Sheriff's Deputy Anthony Smalls was called to the house after Teneil Johnson reported somebody was trying to get in the rear sliding door. Smalls checked and didn't find anything, according to the incident report. Her father then came over.

Shortly after the deputy left, Arial Johnson showed up. The first victim was Carter, Jennings said.

"My dad was happy about everything," said son Vincent Carter II, 20, an Air Force electrician. "He was the type of person that stood up strong no matter what he did. He was a tough guy. He took a lot of stuff from us, so he had to be tough."

Teneil Johnson was shot next. She had just finished her first day of work at a McDonald's in Mount Pleasant, her mother said.

"She was very intelligent," she said. "She was always bright and smiling."

David Carter, 18, one of Vince Carter's sons, heard the gunshots and ran over carrying a stick. He found his father on the floor.

David Carter said Arial Johnson was unpredictable, especially when he was drinking.

"He was a back and forth type fellow," he said.

Joneatha Carter, Teneil's mother, is worried about the children.

"They were there when it happened," she said. "I've got to get them some help."

Reach Dave Munday at dmunday@postandcourier.com or 745-5862.

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SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...

Sheriff's deputies responded to the house on reports of domestic violence in December 2004 and November 2006, Jennings said. Arial Johnson, a truck driver, was accused of shoving his wife to the ground in one incident and punching her in the other. Both times Teneil Johnson declined to press charges, Jennings said.

That is exactly the point I was trying to make when I posted on the previous article regarding this issue. So, yes, she was trying to finally do something, but the "Cry Wolf" that so many women do...call the police, don't press charges...should a cop just move in to mediate? Don't waste Law Enforcement's time. If your spouse has abused you, and you call the police, I don't believe you should have the RIGHT to refuse to press charges. It went that far, it should be seen through to the end. I think it would have been prudent that Ms. Johnson have been armed. Had Mr. Johnson had any idea that she was armed, he may have made a lot less unwanted visits. This is exactly why law-abiding citizens should be able to arm themselves.

March 11, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Cid95 (anonymous) says...

The police make no guarantees for your safety. They will do their best, I'm sure, but they can't be with you every minute. This case demonstrates that very well.

She should have been armed. Ultimately, it's best for one to take responsibility for ones's own safety rather than hope others will provide it for you.

Generally, the police get there in time to clean up the bodies. This case also demonstrates that very well.

March 11, 2008 at 4:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

pirate42 (anonymous) says...

God bless the kids I will pray for you be strong.

March 11, 2008 at 5:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

moonpie (anonymous) says...

Very tragic for this family to endure something like this. I agree with most, I don't know what could be done to prevent this.

March 11, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

justbeingme (anonymous) says...

Before we "speak up" on this situation...put yourselves in Ms. Johnson's place. Personally, I really don't know what I would have done and how long it would have taken me to do it. Buy a gun ?? Move away...away from the people who could just walk across the yard to check on me and my children?? Yes, I'm sure most of us would do something but when?? I'm wondering if Mr. Johnson didn't receive counseling during the time that he was in jail. Obviously he had problems!!Also with an upcoming hearing, I think that he would have been a good candidate to wear a monitor !! My heart goes out to Mrs. Carter who has to bury her husband and daughter.

March 11, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

tygers1231 (anonymous) says...

My thoughts and prayers are with this family. I just hope now that the children that were present and witnessed are afforded the love and support that they are going to need. This will be something that they will forever have nightmares about.

March 11, 2008 at 7:32 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

guesswho (anonymous) says...

My girlfriend was in a very abusive marriage until her husband tried to kill her with her 6 year old son watching. Thank god she left. I am a law enforcement officer and it took me threatening him to get him to back off even after she got her divorce. You can get all court orders and alarms you want but if a person is not in jail, you can't guarantee the victims safety. law enforcement can't get anywhere in time if a person want to commit a crime bad enough. thats the tough reality. But the truth is that most women are reluctant to press charges for a number of reasons. Those who do the first time fare off much better than those who don't.

March 11, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

Sadly, two MORE african american youth live without parents. This situation is long past an epidemic.

Arial Johnson <----- Loser

How is that for an epitaph?

March 11, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nenna_45 (anonymous) says...

Sheriff's deputies responded to the house on reports of domestic violence in December 2004 and November 2006, Jennings said. Arial Johnson, a truck driver, was accused of shoving his wife to the ground in one incident and punching her in the other. Both times Teneil Johnson declined to press charges, Jennings said.

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing a copy of these reports. If there had been witness or evidence to support both these claims such as bruises from punching or dirty clothes from the ground, uttered responses upon police arrival then it was up to the state to press charges if the victim refused. When the state takes onus it takes the pressure off victims of abuse and it is then out of their control. State procutes and then it's left up to the judge or jury to decide. Depending on those reports I'm wondering if two people would be alive today. I believe Victim Advocates should step up to the plate and hold police officers accountable for all domestic reports.

My sincere condolences to all the family members.

March 11, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

nenna, I believe a mob should exist to beat the crap out of abusive spouses. Then the only question of accountability would be -

Did the mob beat him to death?

Or

Was the mob too soft on him?

Either way, I think my answer is better than holding the police accountable for the actions of an obvious idiot.

March 11, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nenna_45 (anonymous) says...

Zod, Your mob idea sounds like a good one, however, I still believe in holding police officers accountable when responding to domestic call. Victim Advocates play a huge roll as well. For years, the State of South Carolina ranks 1st to 3rd in homicides due to domestic violence.

March 11, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

charlene68 (anonymous) says...

He should have been picked up and locked up after they found out that he called her on her phone... they should have looked for him and put him in jail, that was breaking his order and he was not picked up for it, why not ??

March 11, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

nenna, I will go out on a limb and say that alcohol ended the marriage and alcohol ended the lives. That is the number one reason for 1st and 3rd. I have lived it. My experience raises the question of whether the children are better off (in the long run) with the man dead. He would be a burden for the rest of their lives. It's just sad that he had to take the woman and her father along with his miserable existance.

I'll stick with the mob idea. I've known wimps like Arial. He just needed a good beating.

March 11, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

This questioned is intended for any of the female posters....what makes you afraid of pressing charges against a man that abuses you?

March 11, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

charlene, the answer to "why not?" is that our jails are too full of idiots just like him.

I do not know an actual number as I have not cared enough to look the number up. But I'd be willing to bet over 50% of the marital restraining orders are reported to be broken. I imagine that the number is far more than 50%.

I'd also be willing to bet that there are more restraining orders in the county than police officers. Spousal abuse is happening everyday. I imagine the police build a tolerance for being lied to at every turn in the saga. Combine the combatence of day to day crime with the misguidance in spousal abuse. This is your result.

I favor stoning.....

March 11, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

"What makes you afraid of pressing charges against a man that abuses you?"

Here is a man taking a shot at it! ;>)

Confrontation.

Paternity.

Monetary.

Disruption in life.

Blame.

Guilt.

Hope.

.......and any other item of confusion.

March 11, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ISSIE53 (anonymous) says...

I WAS IN AN ABUSIVE MARRIAGE FOR FOUR YEARS. WHY DO WE NOT PRESS CHARGES? WELL, YOU LOOK AT THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE THE ABUSE STARTED AND YOU WANT TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON THAT YOU LOVE CAN GO BACK TO BEING THAT PERSON. FEAR OF WORST RETALIATION WHETHER MENTAL OR PHYSICAL. LOW SELF-ESTEEM FEELINGS THAT SOMEHOW IT IS YOUR FAULT.

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THIS MOTHER AND HER GRANDCHILDREN. YES, SHE NEEDS TO GET COUNSELING FOR THESE CHILDREN, NOT JUST BECAUSE THEY WITHNESSED THE DEATH, BUT THAT THEY WITNESSED THE ABUSE. I SEE WHAT IT HAS DONE TO MY CHILDREN, WHOM NOW ARE ADULTS, AND I WISH THAT I HAD DONE THINGS DIFFERENT.

March 11, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

prosperous - It is like dealing with a bully in school. Some kids won't tell because they know that if they tell the bully will get them worse when the teacher's back is turned. I think it is the same for battered women. I am a firm believer that if someone beats the hell out of you then they most definitely can kill you.

I also think that restraining orders should be enforced. Why have them at all if they cannot be enforced. I remember watching a movie called "A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story". It was based on a real story about a woman who was in a an abusive marriage. She left and got a restraining order. Her husband violated the restraining order and she called police. He beat her and slashed her throat in front of the police. This is the kind of crazy a lot of these women have to deal with.

March 11, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

outrage (anonymous) says...

*Both times Teneil Johnson declined to press charges, Jennings said.

The victim does not get to decide about pressing charges, the state does. The responding officers are not supposed to ask if she wants to press charges. If a CDV incident has occurred the violator is arrested. If the victim refuses to cooperate with the prosecution, it makes it more difficult to get a conviction.

During the investigation, if they find that the officers did not arrest the subject because of the victim- there will be heads rolling.

March 11, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

Thanks for your inputs. I too saw my mom got abused when I was growing up. It was tought seeing my mom go through all of that. I'm blessed that my mom is still alive today. She divorced my dad. But I can tell you that it took a lot of praying.

I think that the law enforcement needs to look into these restraining orders. How can they better enforce this? Personally, I think the cops do the best they can do. I don't think that the county can afford to watch after everyone that files a restraining order against someone. It just baffles me how this stuff happens over and over and the law enforcement has not tried to determine a fix for it.

My prayers go out to the family and especially the children. :-(

March 11, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Zod (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer,

I do not want to chastise your poor choice of words but it's not "simple".

I know a woman that was beaten in 1976. Her nose was broken (along with alot of dishes). I know a woman that had two teeth knocked out in 1978. I know two kids that listened to all of this from their bedrooms. I know a man that was kicked out of his own house by his 14 year old son in 1983.

You could ask this woman why she stayed and she would tell you it was for her children. The fact is she didn't know what to do. She was born dirt poor. She barely had an education. And she has never browsed the internet. Her drunken father sold her Christmas gifts to buy alcohol days after Christmas was celebrated. She was passed from relative to relative as a teenager. She had nothing. She never had anything to call her own BEFORE that man. Now she had two kids, a husband, a house, and a dog. She had a life. She just had to endure these couple of bad moments. Then she could keep all that she knew.

Life is not so "simple" for everbody.

March 11, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lovewine2 (anonymous) says...

I feel that is sad that we are hearing statements such as "cry wolf" , "take responsibility for themselves". Is this not why the law was put into place regarding Domestic Violence? A law enforcement officer when called to a home for domestic violence must make the decision if violence occurred. W/O either party agreeing to press charges the officer makes the call whether to arrest or not. Persons do not want to think that someone whom they bore children for, married and love. Would do them harm. Even when they do... I guess the good in them...as we all have been a witness to at some point in our lives... we forgive our loved ones.
Be it children spouse, relatives, or friends.Don't speak badly of someone who falls victim to being a human being and thinking the best of someone.
You don't know until it happens to you. God forbid it never does.
Just pray for the children. Or, in some of your thinking should they have contacted the police as well/ shd they take responsibility for their mother, father,and grandfathers death? After all, they were are of the home and witnessed it.
Get real folks...theses are lives...if the officer came out as result of a possible crime...with the history..with the pending arrest for violation of restraining order...this was clearly a case that warranted surveillance on behalf of this Teneil and her family.

March 11, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

I think some people are making this out to be a cut and dried issue. It is not cut and dried. If it was so, there would be far less of this happening.

Not every abuser follows a textbook example either. Just because you think this could have been solved easily enough or that she could have gotten away easily enough does not mean it actually was.

March 11, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

MotherC (anonymous) says...

I'm sure the officers did what they could, you see, when you have a sly fox that looks at you, looking for him sure you won't see him but he see's you. I'm sure that jerk was somewhere in the bushes, peering around some corner waiting for them to leave. She needed a gun and in return blow him down. It may be wrong to say but it's me or you. The officers should not be held accountable. That is how we lost Officer Wells and Officer Styles going on a Domestic call in Berk.County.I pray for this family that the Lord will give them strenght and comfort.If you never been in an abusive relationship it is always easier said that done. They follow you, harrass you, beat you, accuse you of having affairs. your spirits get so low until sometimes you say what's the use. you take them back out of fear, they call,call,call and Lord know by time the police get to you, it's too late.Your self esteem so beatin down until all you can say is Lord help me. you see, I traveled that same road, the beating, abuse restraining orders, mental abuse,harassment. He finally left me alone after trying to take my life, but it was the goodness and mercy of God I'm still here. so Please tell the women that are in this kind of mess to try and get out. Moving dosen't do any good, they follow you and hound you some more.When the restraing orders are violated I feel the person should be locked up for a while.You see he took 3 lives,he's in hell and those demons will tortue him as he tortured them. Were living in the last day, it use to be days.

March 11, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

forget (anonymous) says...

These women that stay most of the time are so afraid of living anymore that they can't see out. They are threatened on a daily basis, the thing that scares them most is being threatened with custody of their children. Most of the time, they know they can't afford a custody fight and they'll lose. I know a woman that the court gave joint custody to her and the husband (abuser) and he terrorizes the children on his visits. By court order she has to send them. They scream and cry when it's time to go.
There's nothing she can do about it. The children aren't old enough to make any decisions about going by themselves. He makes veiled threats when he picks them up like "say good bye to mommy - you might not see her for a long time". The whole time their gone, she worries about their safety and then she worries about them not coming home. It's just more abuse on his part. He has to have that control. There's no end in sight.

March 11, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

nenna_45 (anonymous) says...

MotherC and others who haved shared their stories Thank You. It's going to take everyone as a whole to try and end the cycle of Domestic Violence. I'll hold fast to my opinion that Police Officers should be held more accountable in responding to domestic calls. Marcus and Lonnie didn't respond to a domestic call, they responded to a single 18 which is an abduction.

March 11, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

smosellem (anonymous) says...

Women decide not to press charges for a lot of complicated reasons, some of which are addressed in the comments here. One thing that needs to be considered is that when charges are brought, in most cases the offender will post bond, buying his freedom until the case makes it to court, which could take months. So, it becomes a choice of having the man who beat her out free and placated by her "forgiveness" or having the man who beat her out free and enraged by the pending charges, the night(s) spent in jail, and missed time at work. His inability to deal with anger is why he beat her in the first place, so it's very hard for a woman to make a decision to exacerbate the situation, especially with all of the other factors involved (income, children, etc., as mentioned above.)

March 11, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Perspective (anonymous) says...

Allwoman - You responded to me, but I had not posted. I believe you were responding to prosperous. At least I have made an impression at some point, haha.

Anyway, the cops can't protect anyone from people like this. As for him calling her repeatedly, if he had been picked up his bond would only be a few hundred dollars and he would have been out in a few hours.

People have to remember the old saying that "A stop sign never stoppped anybody." What that means is that people have to choose to obey. Some whackos are not going to obey ANY ruling or order issued by a court/judge. There are simply not enough police to protect everyone that "might" need it on a 24 hour basis.

While this is truly a sad situation. The cops and government are not to blame.

It is wrong to blame the victim for empowering this guy's abusiveness over the years and then thinking she could just walk away.

It is the subject's fault.

We live in an increasingly violent society. Murder-suicides, mass shootings, and school shootings are becoming more common. The more they are in the news, the more common they are going to get. ... Get used to it.

March 11, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

TonyaC (anonymous) says...

IT BOTHERS ME TO NO END HOW PEOPLE ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO BLAME THE VICTIMS!! THIS IS A CRIME THAT HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASES!! LETS STOP BLAMING THE VICTIMS AND COME UP WITH SOME REAL SOLUTIONS.

I'LL BEGIN...

1. Why don't we begin teaching students how to deal with domestic violence. If they can teach our children about sex, they can teach them and give them the tools on how to deal with a domestic violence situation.

2. Have a law that requires people that have been charged with domestic violence, and child abuse register. That way, male and female alike, will have the tools to do some real research before getting involved with these people.

3. Ask the questions in school. Have guidance randomly select students weekly out of class to inquire about violence in school. Then have DSS step their game up..

More SOLUTIONS please...NO MORE BLAMING THE VICTIMS!!!

March 11, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

forget (anonymous) says...

Domestic violence should not be a subject taught in school. So far, our children's days are filled up with "say no to drugs', sex education, etc. This state already is lagging in education. this is a subject that is taught at homes and churches. If they have a problem, there are guidance counselors in the schools. I don't want my child to picked out randomly from her class and asked a series of questions so that someone can call DSS about a child's quotes that were taken out of context.
Yeah, that sounds like a problem we all need.

March 11, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...

There's an old saying: "If you knew better, you'd do better." This was a mother of two living a marginalized existence with little education and zero worldliness. I don't think she had the experience or wherewithal to get this man, the father of her children, out of her life. Truly an American tragedy.

March 11, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

RTC (anonymous) says...

I feel this family's pain, but it will do no good to point fingers at law enforcement. Arial Johnson was the problem here, and hopefully after the initial shock wears off the family will see this.
I am glad that they recognize the importance of seeking help for those poor children. They are going to need it.

March 11, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hutch (anonymous) says...

This is a tragic, tragic story that has been repeated
so many times! What is wrong with the system? Satan is
raging across our nation like a wild fire seeking to
devoure all he can for his days are short.Come
quickly Lord Jesus is my prayer.

March 11, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

I think domestic violence being taught in schools would be tough. They already have trouble with the basics. I think that the churches need to step up and discuss these issues.

March 11, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

Again, people are simplifying.

He's kicking your butt -
Answer is : LEAVE

IT IS NOT THAT FREAKIN SIMPLE!!!!

We have been saying this time and time again. If it was that simple then it would not be happening OVER and OVER again. Shelters are temporary. Family and friends? The abuser can torment them. Read the article. He killed her father TOO. LEAVE?? He can follow you and torment you just like he did to this woman. By saying that it is simple you ARE minimizing that fact. This is a complicated issue and I am sure if it was as easy as you make it sound we wouldn't see so many women suffering because of it.

Yes I do feel that law enforcement should enforce a restraining order, otherwise there should not be such a thing in existence. If it can't be enforced then do away with it. There is no need to give someone false hope.

March 11, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

highclass (anonymous) says...

The biggest problem with restraining orders are that the victim has to list their address so the perp will know where they are not allowed. So even if you move right on he restraining order it tells where you can be found. I too had a very abusive ex. His father is a cop so there was no help. I bought a gun and announced at his last bond hearing that I had it and since I have been a hunter for many years he knew I knew how to shoot. Funny I have had no problems out of him since.

March 11, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

This isn't only happening to the uneducated. Women (or men) who are doctors, lawyers, teachers and CEOs can be victims of domestic violence. Rich women as well. In fact it can even be harder for women who are married to men who hold some clout (money or position) to get out. What if the abuser is a minister, judge, police officer??? It is almost twice as hard because they have connections.

March 11, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

highclass (anonymous) says...

Test2007- How true indeed. I am well educated the embarssment kept me from speaking out for a long time. That combined with the fact that his father has so much clout, as an officer, made it almost impossible to get out.

March 11, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

highclass - I am glad you got out. I cannot imagine being in that situation.

March 11, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

smosellem (anonymous) says...

I would like to add (to my own comment) that when charges are pressed and bond is set - where do you think the money comes from? That couple hundred dollars is the family's rent, or food for the kids. If charges are brought and bond isn't posted (i.e. the abuser stays in jail), that also has a drastic affect on household income. Essentially, when a woman presses charges on her husband, she is hurting her family financially, and those immediate concerns override the long view.

And, even when charges are brought and a conviction is made, there are associated court fines and counseling fees that the offender is sentenced to pay, all of which take away from money that would otherwise support the family.

March 11, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...

ColdBeer, as a I man, I understand what you are saying. However, as a man that has gone through this, it's really more tough than you think. It's hard for a women to get away when you got kids screaming in your ears, "I want my daddy", knowing what he has done to your mom. It's hard when you have to try and hide away from that crazy guy. It's even harder when you have to think that crazy guy may go to the school and take the kids. It's a lot of decisions and feelings involve and it's really tough on the female. I think that it takes a really strong woman to stand up and say they are not going to take it anymore.

Now days, you have some women that stand up to the man and kick his butt. When this happens, the man see's that is not as powerful and will begin to back off.

March 11, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Test2007 (anonymous) says...

Coldbeer - I still think you are oversimplifying the whole issue but I know some people have to actually see this kind of thing happen before they are convinced that it isn't as easy as it seems. I hope you never see it and it never happens to anyone you know.

March 11, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

toastchee (anonymous) says...

Teneil was hott!

March 11, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

geoff33 (anonymous) says...

Domestic violence situations are as unique as snowflakes. No two are the same and no fix is one size fits all. Poverty, ignorance, fear, low self-esteem, finances, children, relatives, employment and several other social issues require a well thought out plan to escape. Victims need help and a lot of it needs to come from family, neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, timing, luck and The Grace of God are also factors. My heart and prayers are extended to the Johnson and Carter families, as well as any others still dealing in the trenches of despair.

March 11, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

forget (anonymous) says...

I don't think that this is something that will be fixed anytime soon as drugs and alcohol are major contributors to the problem. The substance abuse as well as young women and young men growing up in these situations usually find themselves in the same atmosphere as their parents. It is said that this is an inherited problem just as alcohol and drug abuse is.

March 11, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

EJF_Member (anonymous) says...

When will people learn? Restraining Orders and Protection Orders are only pieces of paper that gentlemen and ladies agree to follow. It is well know among attorneys these pieces of paper are used to gain the upperhand in divorce proceedings. These Orders cannot and will not protect you. These myths are propagated by the Domestic Violence "INDUSTRY" so they can increase their funding.

March 11, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dwfrance (anonymous) says...

you cant help someone who wont help theirself...she should have pressed charges everytime

March 11, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

stephaniem (anonymous) says...

Blair Jennings if full of crap

I called the police for 4 months on my abusive exboyfriend who told me that he would kill my family if I stopped contact with him and they wouldn't even talk to me.

Sure, I didn't dial 911 as he wasn't trying to kill them that second but I kept asking for help for 4 months and went to the police station. They just took my paperwork and statements and told me they would get back to me and didn't.

I moved away from the house I was raised a an infant to get away and my family moved away too. Thankfully, my family got sick of SC and their bullcrap. I am still here for private reasons

March 11, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Ms_Bowman (anonymous) says...

I'm am so very sorry for the family"s lost. Remember to keep your faith in God. I have the family in my prayers and know that you will get through this. May God bless this Family and again you are in my prayers. I attend College with Quina we have you in our prayers.

March 11, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

akkomplished (anonymous) says...

It's shocking but I actually agree with Coldbeer... :-) I understand that it is hard to leave the one that you love even though they are abusing you. However, I think that individuals who are being abused should think about how harmful the situation can be. For those who say they stay because of the children... I don't get that. Why would you want your children to continuously see you beaten or why wouldn't you leave to protect their lives? We as women can't continue to make excuses for the men that hurt us!
What also gets me are the women that stay for financial reasons! Are you kidding me?!? This is 2008 any woman, black, white, old, or young can go out and make a living for themselves. That's where a lot of women go wrong they depend on a man for everything so when it's time to leave they don't know how! And like ColdBeer said we can't really blame the police for this incident because she never pressed charges...
I know that it's hard to leave someone after the first sign of abuse because alot of women believe in giving second chances (and sometimes 3rd and 4th chances). This is a sad story... my prayers go out to the family.

March 12, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jolena01 (anonymous) says...

All the idiots who are saying just leave..please shut up cause unless you walked in this lady's shoes and know what she went through dont comment on it. This is very sad story and feel so bad for the family and kids. Stop judging people on what you dont know about... Its never to leave a abusive partner and when you do who should you rely on the police.. hell no cause they are too busy pulling people over just cause and leaving woman on the side of the road. Maybe you will find them at a store eating donuts.

March 12, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ospreyoutreach (anonymous) says...

The children orphaned in this tragedy are part of the Daniel Island School community. Please join us in raising funds to meet their present and future needs. There are two ways you can help. Contributions can be made at any Wachovia Bank to the "Teneil Johnson Memorial Account". You can also come to "Deals for Donations" at the Red Balloon Yard Sales throughout Daniel Island on Saturday, March 22 from 7 am to 1 pm. Shop for deals and designated sellers will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Teneil Johnson Family. Donation containers will be available at the yard sales to accept cash and checks. Thank you for your support!
Daniel Island School Osprey Outreach Committee

March 14, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kelz843 (anonymous) says...

It amazes me how quick people are to judge. People seem to forget alot of things. Arial and Teniel had good times in the 12 years they were together. They were human beings-that means having both good and not-so-good sides. They had kids. And I imagine it was a tough thing for Teniel going from living on what a truck driver makes to McDonald's pay. Things like that make it tough to walk away from a relationship.
It's easy, too, for people to 'Armchair Quarterback', but NOBODY can fortell the future. Arial was part of a crew of drivers who sometimes hung out at a truck stop where I was a cashier, so I knew him. NEVER in my wildest dreams could I imagine him doing something like this. Everyone (former co-workers and drivers) I talked to about this tragic event was floored. Even people who knew him way better than I did, didn't think he was capable of doing this.
Here's a little food for thought for people who think ya should just up and leave; statistics show the most dangerous time for woman in a domestic violence situation is AFTER she leaves her abuser.

March 28, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

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