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Fatal Bar Altercation Ends in Voluntary Manslaughter Charge on Edisto Island
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Fatal Bar Altercation on Edisto Island
In October 2025, two longtime friends traveled from Minnesota to Edisto Island, South Carolina, to celebrate their 60th birthdays. While at Coot’s Bar & Grill, a confrontation occurred on the venue’s staircase. According to eyewitness Ruth Peterson, Joyce Tomlinson was pushed by another woman and fell head-first onto a concrete slab, sustaining severe injuries. Tomlinson was air-lifted to a hospital and died three weeks later.
Background of the Celebration
Peterson and Tomlinson had been friends for five decades, sharing childhood activities such as roller skating and later supporting each other’s families. The trip was arranged after Tomlinson invited Peterson to visit in October 2025. After ordering drinks, the women danced to a solo performer before leaving the crowded bar to return to their rented condo.
Legal Proceedings
Colleton County court records show that bartender Mary Lopez Hunt, 68, was charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Hunt initially posted a $100,000 bond for each charge, but authorities later revoked the bond and returned her to custody in the Colleton County Jail in Walterboro. Hunt’s attorney was unavailable for comment, and Coot’s Bar & Grill declined to comment when approached.
Data & Statistics
- Joyce Tomlinson, 62, Minnesota resident.
- Mary Lopez Hunt, 68, bartender at Coot’s Bar & Grill.
- Charges: voluntary manslaughter; assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.
- Bond: $100,000 per charge, later revoked.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Next thing I know, Joyce had turned around to head back down [the stairs], and this woman runs at her, and with both hands just pushes her, and she just sailed,” — Ruth Peterson
Peterson’s recollection underscores the suddenness of the incident, and the legal actions taken reflect the seriousness of the alleged assault. The case remains under investigation by local authorities.