Colleen D’Ortona dies in fatal Travelers Rest domestic violence case

Colleen D’Ortona dies in fatal Travelers Rest domestic violence case

Fatal Travelers Rest domestic violence death of Colleen D’Ortona – Obituary

The loved ones of Colleen D’Ortona have filed a wrongful death lawsuit after she was killed in what authorities describe as a brutal act of domestic violence. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office reported that 40-year-old D’Ortona’s body was found in Travelers Rest on May 28. She had reportedly been in a relationship with Michael Robert Clarkson, who was later charged with her murder.

Before he could be brought to trial, Clarkson died by suicide while in jail.

Another individual, Cherith Crown, who was allegedly romantically involved with Clarkson, faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder and obstruction of justice.

During a recent hearing for Crown, prosecutors described a prolonged and violent attack on D’Ortona, lasting approximately 10 hours. Among the abuse, D’Ortona reportedly suffered facial burns caused by a heated fork and was severely beaten.

The lawsuit, filed by D’Ortona’s family, targets both Clarkson’s estate and Crown. It alleges that Clarkson inflicted grave physical injuries and extreme emotional torment on D’Ortona before her death. The complaint references video messages Clarkson allegedly sent to Crown that show visible injuries to D’Ortona, including facial burns. It also claims that Crown was present in the home the night D’Ortona died and provided emotional support to Clarkson afterward.

The family’s legal action includes claims for wrongful death, civil conspiracy, aiding and abetting assault, battery, homicide, false imprisonment, survival damages, and emotional distress. They are pursuing both compensatory and punitive damages for funeral costs, lost income, and to prevent similar acts in the future.

As of now, the estates of Clarkson and Crown have not submitted formal responses to the lawsuit.