Forest Acres welfare check murder-suicide case has been linked by police to domestic violence after officers found Indian-origin U.S. citizen Annie Christinal Pushpanathan dead at a home on Barnes Springs Road in Forest Acres, South Carolina.
The Forest Acres Police Department identified Pushpanathan, 53, as the victim and Kenneth Dwain Benton, 67, as the suspect in the fatal case. Authorities released the information on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, while the investigation remained active.
Forest Acres Welfare Check Murder-Suicide Investigation
According to police, officers went to the Barnes Springs Road residence on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after a concerned family member requested a welfare check. Officers forced entry into the home and found Pushpanathan dead from a gunshot wound.
Police said officers later made contact with Benton inside the residence. Hostage negotiators were called to the scene and persuaded him to surrender. Investigators later determined Benton had suffered a gunshot wound before officers arrived. He was taken to a local hospital and died on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Police Say Domestic Violence Was a Factor
The Forest Acres Police Department said its preliminary investigation indicates the deaths were part of a murder-suicide connected to domestic violence. Authorities said the case appeared to be isolated and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Police records show officers responded to five complaint calls involving Pushpanathan and Benton at the same residence between 2015 and 2021. Police said there was not enough evidence in those earlier incidents to pursue a case. Officials said resources were offered each time but were declined.
Forest Acres Police Chief Don Robinson described the case as “an incredibly tragic situation” and said it reflected the severe impact domestic violence can have on families and communities.
Community members said neighbors and Indian American support groups have been assisting Pushpanathan’s family, including efforts related to transporting her remains to India.
Where Victims and Families Can Seek Help
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or worried about a loved one’s safety can contact Sistercare at 803-765-9428 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
The case matters beyond Forest Acres because it highlights how welfare checks, past complaint calls and domestic violence warning signs can become central to a fatal investigation.
