Dad Lures Family To Remote Peach Farm To Murder Wife In Front Of His Toddler Children

A 39-year-old South Carolina man has been sentenced to life in prison after he reportedly lured his family to a secluded peach farm orchard before murdering his wife in front of their own two toddler children, authorities said.

In July 2019, Michael Tirrell Means, 39, reportedly texted his wife, Yumonica Means, 46, saying that he need help after being involved in a car accident, to lure her to a far-flung location on State Highway 191 in Edgefield County. However, when Yumonica reached the spot, Means confronted her regarding an ongoing marital dispute. Means then allegedly shot his wife dead in the presence of their young kids, WYFF reported.

On July 3, 2019, around 1:31 am, the Edgefield County 911 Center received a phone call from a 10-year-old child seeking help. When the patrol officers arrived at the location, a peach orchard at the intersection of Highway 191 and Yonce Pond Road near Johnston, they discovered the victim's dead body lying in the roadway.

Means reportedly emptied Yumonica's bank account before shooting her in the head. According to forensic autopsy reports, Yumonica reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to her temple which was immediately fatal.

Upon investigating, the officials discovered that Means purchased the gun used in the crime from Georgia. He bought the gun through a private transaction without a background check, approximately two days before killing his wife. Means was prohibited from purchasing a gun due to his prior record and was on probation due to a recent conviction for receiving stolen goods, WSET reported.

Means reportedly fled the scene and traveled to Georgia after committing the murder. He abandoned a vehicle on the way in Laurens County while he was on the run. He later surrendered to the police and confessed to shooting his wife in an audio-recorded statement.

Yumonica was a mother to three children and a long-time employee of the Milliken & Company Johnston Plant.

Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin has imposed the life sentence on Means following a jury trial last week. “Absolutely horrific,” Judge McCaslin commented about the crime just before handing down the sentence of life imprisonment to Means. The felon is reportedly not eligible for parole under South Carolina law, according to Aiken Standard.

Means has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of his life sentence.