Prosecutors say fatal stabbing was likely self defense

SENECA, S.C. (AP) - Authorities say the fatal stabbing of a 53-year-old South Carolina man appears to be a case of self-defense.

Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis told local media outlets that Thomas “Tony” Mark died in surgery at a Greenville hospital about 5:30 a.m. Friday. He had been stabbed in the abdomen late Thursday at a home in Seneca.

Seneca Police Chief John Covington said a 56-year-old Seneca man was arrested and taken to the Oconee County jail. An attempted murder charge was lifted after the local solicitor’s office determined the stabbing was likely self-defense. Prosecutors are awaiting autopsy results before making a final determination. The man remains in jail on unrelated drug charges.

Covington says an “ongoing personal conflict” led to the stabbing.