Lexington County Sheriff’s Department investigators have charged a Gaston man with murder in the fatal beating of Joanne White Taylor.

 According to arrest warrants, 41-year-old Peter Lynn Coffey killed Taylor at her Gaston home sometime between Aug. 7-9. Coffey is also charged with sexually assaulting Taylor.

 “Physical evidence connects Coffey to the scene of the crime,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “Our detectives have determined that Coffey knew the victim and had a prior relationship with her.”

 Coffey is in the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.

 Anyone with information about this or any other case should contact the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230 or Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC. Anonymous tips can be submitted at www.lexingtonsheriff.com.