Man charged in Cherokee Murder

Ben McCool

A Cherokee County man jailed on charges of domestic violence and child abuse now faces a murder charge in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man whose body was found in the Chattooga River on Friday.  According to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, an investigation into the disappearance of 38-year-old Scott Abernathy of Gaylesville began on Thursday after a family member reported him missing. Within a day, authorities suspected that Abernathy had been shot and thrown into the river.  On Friday, a rescue squad located and recovered Abernathy's body from the river. Investigators have since arrested 48-year-old Ben McCool in connection with the death. He's currently being held in jail on charges stemming from an unrelated case.  An investigation remains ongoing.