A Columbia man has been charged in the murder of a West Columbia woman.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the arrest of Charles Jason Carmichael, 40, in the murder of Ashli G. Haigler, 28, of West Columbia.

Haigler was married to Carmichael’s brother.

Deputies discovered Haigler’s body with a gunshot wound in her upper body in a vehicle at McCaw Street and Malcolm Drive in Columbia.

Her 5-year-old son was found in the car unharmed.

Lott said the boy tragically has lost both of his parents and probably witnessed his mother’s murder.

An investigation into Haigler’s death revealed that a missing person’s report was filed for her husband, Rufus Carmichael, 48.

On the day Haigler’s body was found, Aiken County deputies found Rufus Carmichael’s body in woods off of Holder Road.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office said he suffered a gunshot wound.

Sheriff Lott said that when deputies confronted Charles Carmichael at his home, he tried to flee.

A search of his car found a gun and blood.

He is being held at the Glenn Detention Center.

Officials later confirmed that Rufus Carmichael and Charles Carmichael are brothers.

Charles has not been charged in his brother’s death, but authorities are investigating both cases.

Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at 803-274-6372.