Family of South Carolina woman found murdered in ditch tells suspect: 'You took her from us'

Joshua Powell, left, is accused of killing Crystal Kuykendall (Anderson County Sheriff's Office/Family)

ANDERSON, S.C. – An investigation is underway after a woman was found shot to death in a ditch and her truck was reportedly stolen in Anderson County, according to Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman.

Boseman said 39-year-old Crystal Marie Kuykendall of Pelzer was shot at the intersection of Level Land Road and Wright School Road sometime before 3 a.m. Thursday.

Deputies wearing tactical gear were later seen investigating along Scott Road in Anderson County. Deputies on scene said the investigation was connected to the suspect in the deadly shooting.

SLED confirmed that one of their dog teams was sent to assist Anderson County deputies in the investigation.

Boseman said the victim was reportedly driving a truck with another woman and a man inside, according to the female passenger, who was still at the scene when investigators arrived.

The female passenger told deputies the man shot the driver and then took off in the truck.

The suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Zachary Earl Powell, who has been charged with murder in connection with Kuykendall's death. Sheriff Chad McBride said the suspect and victim appear to be acquaintances.

During a press conference held by McBride at 2 p.m., Powell was taken into custody.

Powell appeared in bond court on Monday where he was denied bond.

Kuykendall's younger sister, Elise Shepherd, spoke at the emotional hearing, saying the victim was a mother and an amazing person.

"She was so many things and you took her from us," Shepherd said. "She didn't deserve that, you know it. What gives you a right to take her away from us?"

Powell declined to address the family but told the bond court judge he would be praying for them and himself.

"Only God can help us," he said.