News Summary
Greenville County is reeling from a tragic murder-suicide involving Nathan Cureton and Tayler Maraj. The incident, which unfolded on I-85, followed a kidnapping at a gas station. Authorities report that Cureton was on probation for previous violent crimes and had a history of domestic violence. The investigation continues as details about their relationship emerge. This event underscores urgent concerns about domestic violence and mental health within the judicial system.
Greenville County witnessed a tragic incident on May 24, 2025, when Nathan Cureton, aged 38, was involved in a murder-suicide on I-85 after kidnapping 24-year-old Tayler Maraj. Authorities reported that both individuals were known to each other, but the specifics of their relationship remain under investigation.
Cureton was on probation at the time of the incident due to a previous conviction for second-degree assault and battery in 2023. As part of his probation, he was mandated to complete substance abuse counseling and a domestic violence intervention program. However, in February 2025, he reoffended with serious charges, including domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, kidnapping, and resisting arrest. Despite his criminal past and active probation, a judge set his bond at $25,000, which he was able to meet in March 2025, leading to his release on house arrest with GPS monitoring.
On the morning of May 24, around 11:40 a.m., the Mauldin Police Department received reports of a kidnapping that had occurred at a Spinx gas station. Video footage confirmed that Cureton had forcibly taken Maraj at gunpoint, forcing her into his blue Subaru Impreza. Approximately one hour later, law enforcement became aware of the situation on I-85, where Cureton reportedly shot Maraj before taking his own life.
Emergency responders quickly located the incident near the Piedmont exit of I-85, where both individuals were found inside the vehicle. Tayler Maraj was subsequently transported to Greenville Memorial Hospital but succumbed to her injuries by 12:54 p.m. The Anderson County coroner determined that Maraj’s death was a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, particularly regarding the details of the relationship between Cureton and Maraj, as well as the lead-up to the tragic events. Authorities had issued a Be On the Look Out (BOLO) alert for the kidnapping, which prompted a swift response by law enforcement. The incident led to temporary blockage of all lanes on I-85, although they have since been reopened.
Cureton’s history of violent behavior raises concerns about the judicial decisions leading to his initial release on bond despite his prior convictions and violations during probation. This case highlights significant issues regarding domestic violence, mental health, and the application of the justice system in dealing with offenders.
If you or someone you know needs help regarding domestic violence or mental health issues, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Suspect Was on Probation at the Time of Murder-Suicide
- Wikipedia: Murder-suicide
- WYFF4: Kidnapping and Murder-Suicide on Interstate 85
- Google Search: I-85 Murder Suicide
- Greenville Online: Two Dead in I-85 Murder-Suicide
- Google Scholar: Murder-Suicide and Domestic Violence
- WLOS: Victim Identified in I-85 Murder-Suicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder-Suicide
- Fox Carolina: New Details in Murder-Suicide Case
- Google News: Domestic Violence
