A 20-year-old man from Blue Rock, Ohio, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend during a high school graduation trip to Myrtle Beach in June 2023. Blake Linkous admitted to strangling 18-year-old Natalie Martin of Roseville, Ohio, just before his trial was set to begin. The former couple had been on a trip with friends when the incident occurred.
According to authorities, Martin had broken up with Linkous about two weeks before the trip following a physical altercation where he allegedly pushed her. Chief Deputy Solicitor Scott Hixson stated in court that Linkous was controlling, insecure, and jealous. While the two had agreed to see other people, Linkous became upset upon discovering that Martin had been texting another boy.
On June 6, 2023, after attending an event at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, Martin, Linkous, and a friend were returning to their accommodation when Linkous reportedly mentioned that he had attempted to take his own life because he could not live without Martin. Later, Martin’s friends discovered her body on the floor and called 911.
Following the murder, Linkous sent a text message to his father confessing, stating that he had “killed his best friend.”
During the sentencing, Martin’s father expressed his frustration and grief, stating that the 45-year sentence did not bring him any relief. He emphasized that justice should provide reassurance to the people of South Carolina and the citizens of Horry County, though he did not feel that had been achieved.
In court, Linkous expressed remorse, stating that Martin was “the love of his life” and that he had “failed” in his promise to protect her. His guilty plea allowed him to avoid a trial, and he was sentenced to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
For those experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. The hotline offers confidential support 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
