Berkeley County deputies investigating possible murder-attempted suicide

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities are investigating a domestic disturbance that left one person dead and another injured.

Deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office responded to Keenan Avenue late Monday night after a neighbor reported hearing an argument and gunshots.

At the scene, deputies saw signs of a struggle and then entered the home where they found a female victim dead. They also found a male suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while conducting a safety sweep.

The sheriff’s office said preliminary investigations determined the woman was the victim and the male, 31-year-old Michael Scott Vasko, is being investigated as a suspect. Detectives believe the incident to be a murder-attempted suicide.

Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell identified the victim as 38-year-old Katie Sullivan of Goose Creek.

“We often tell our community if they see something suspicious to call us,” said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. “This tip from a neighbor helped deputies locate the crime scene in a quick manner.”

Vasko was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Charges are pending.