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Ohio Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Murder of Ex-Girlfriend on Myrtle Beach Trip

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — An Ohio man was sentenced Monday to 45 years in prison for the strangulation murder of his ex-girlfriend while they were on a graduation trip to Myrtle Beach last summer.

Blake Linkous, now 20, pleaded guilty to murder just before his trial began in Horry County Circuit Court, admitting to killing 18-year-old Natalie Martin on June 6, 2023, after an argument over her texting another man.

Prosecutors said the couple had recently broken up but still traveled to Myrtle Beach together, along with a group of friends, to celebrate their high school graduation from John Glenn High School in New Concord, Ohio.

What was supposed to be a celebratory trip ended in tragedy when Linkous strangled Martin to death inside their hotel room. Other members of the group told Fox News that after killing Martin, Linkous tried to take his own life before being taken into custody.

Bond Controversy Sparked Outrage

Linkous was initially charged with murder and held in South Carolina, but within weeks, he was released on a $150,000 bond. Under the terms of his release, he was allowed to return to Ohio, where he lived under house arrest at his parents’ home while awaiting trial.

The unusual bond arrangement sparked outrage from victim advocacy groups, who questioned why a suspect charged with premeditated murder was granted the privilege of waiting for trial out of state. As part of the bond deal, Linkous was required to undergo a mental health evaluation and waive extradition, meaning South Carolina authorities could immediately bring him back if needed.

Prosecutors Call for Maximum Sentence

In court Monday, prosecutors requested a 45-year prison sentence, which the judge called more than appropriate given the circumstances. South Carolina law requires murder convicts to serve every day of their sentence, with no possibility of parole.

With Linkous’ guilty plea, he avoided a potential life sentence, which prosecutors could have sought had the case gone to trial.

Ohio Man Blake Linkous now in Prison in SC for the Murder of his Girlfriend in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A Case That Shines Light on Teen Dating Violence

Martin’s murder drew attention to the often-overlooked dangers of teen dating violence, particularly in situations where jealousy and control spiral into lethal violence after a breakup.

According to prosecutors, Linkous’ obsessive jealousy boiled over when he saw Martin texting another man during the trip. That confrontation escalated into violence, ending with Linkous using his hands to strangle Martin to death.

Studies have shown that strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of future homicide in intimate partner violence cases, a fact well-known among domestic violence experts.

South Carolina’s Troubled History with Domestic Violence

The case also reflects South Carolina’s longstanding struggles with domestic violence. The state consistently ranks among the top 10 states for the rate of women killed by men, according to the Violence Policy Center.

In fact, it wasn’t until 2023 that South Carolina officially made domestic strangulation a standalone felony, recognizing the lethality and control associated with the crime. While that law did not directly apply in Linkous’ case—because the murder occurred during a vacation—it underscores the broader crisis of intimate partner violence in the state.

A Family Forever Changed

During Monday’s hearing, members of Martin’s family gave emotional victim impact statements, describing Natalie as a bright, kind-hearted teenager with a promising future ahead of her. They called her murder senseless and cruel, the result of obsessive jealousy disguised as affection.

Martin’s parents and friends have since called for increased education about dating violence in high schools, hoping her death will serve as a warning to other teens in controlling relationships.

Graduation Trip Turned Nightmare

The setting of the crime — a beachside vacation meant to celebrate a milestone — made the murder even more chilling. Myrtle Beach, a popular destination for senior trips, has hosted countless groups of new graduates over the years.

“This wasn’t some dangerous back alley,” one prosecutor said. “This was supposed to be a safe, happy place where teenagers go to make memories with their friends. Instead, it became a crime scene.”

Justice Served, But Questions Remain

Although Linkous will now spend the next 45 years behind bars, his release on bond raised broader questions about how the justice system handles out-of-state defendants accused of violent crimes.

Critics say the decision to let Linkous return to Ohio created a two-tiered system, where wealth and family resources allowed him a comfortable pretrial existence that would have been unavailable to defendants with fewer financial means.

A Legacy of Prevention

As Martin’s family mourns her loss, they have vowed to turn their grief into advocacy. They are working with local schools in Ohio to launch awareness campaigns about dating violence, warning signs, and healthy relationships.

“Maybe if kids understand what controlling behavior looks like,” said one family member, “they can get out before it’s too late.”

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James Seidel covers crime, justice, and public safety for CC News Network.