Hear no evil! Satan-obsessed ‘budding serial killer’ ate the ears of two murder victims and drank one’s blood: lawsuit

A Gruesome Crime and a Family’s Grief: The Case of Marc-Anthony Cantrell

The case of Marc-Anthony Cantrell, a 26-year-old ex-convict, has sent shockwaves through the community of Columbia, South Carolina. Cantrell, who has been described as a "budding serial killer," stands accused of murdering two men, Jared Ondrea and Deshea Butler, at a mental health group home where he was residing. The disturbing details of the case, which include allegations of cannibalism and blood consumption, have horrified local residents and raised questions about how such a violent individual was allowed to live among vulnerable adults. Cantrell’s alleged crimes are not only a tragedy for the victims’ families but also a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allowed him to commit such heinous acts.

A Troubling History and a Deadly Obsession

Marc-Anthony Cantrell’s history of violence and disturbing behavior should have raised red flags long before the tragic events unfolded. With a criminal record that includes convictions for torturing dogs and setting his parents’ home on fire, Cantrell’s propensity for violence was well-documented. Alarmingly, he was on probation when the murders took place, and his living arrangements at the Harper Street group home were known to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Despite these warning signs, Cantrell was placed in a facility designed to support individuals with mild mental health issues, a decision that proved to be deadly. Additionally, Cantrell’s self-proclaimed allegiance to Satan and his devil horn tattoos further highlighted a disturbed individual with a potential for extreme violence.

The Horrific Murders and Cannibalism

The sheer brutality of Cantrell’s alleged crimes has left even seasoned law enforcement officials stunned. According to the lawsuit filed by Peggy Ondrea, Jared’s grandmother, Cantrell not only strangled both victims but also engaged in acts of cannibalism and blood consumption. After killing Deshea Butler, Cantrell allegedly used a weight to bludgeon him, then drank his blood from a coffee cup over several days. Similarly, he severed Jared Ondrea’s ears, believing that by doing so, he could "gain their power." These actions, shrugged off as the instructions of his alternate personality, "Robert Baldwin," reveal a level of depravity that is hard to comprehend. The autopsy of Deshea Butler corroborated the cannibalism allegations, while Jared Ondrea’s body remains missing, with Cantrell claiming he disposed of it in the trash.

A Lawsuit and a Call for Accountability

Peggy Ondrea’s lawsuit against the South Carolina Department of Mental Health is a heart-wrenching attempt to seek justice for her grandson’s untimely and tragic death. The lawsuit alleges that the state failed in its duty to protect Jared, who was enrolled in an outpatient program for mild mental health issues. It points out that Cantrell’s violent history, including his arson and animal cruelty convictions, should have prevented him from being placed in a group home with vulnerable adults. The lawsuit also highlights the state’s negligence in monitoring Cantrell’s living situation, despite being fully aware of his dangerous tendencies. By suing the state, Peggy Ondrea hopes to hold accountable those who failed to prevent the senseless murders of her grandson and Deshea Butler.

The Investigation and Aftermath

The police investigation into the disappearances of Jared Ondrea and Deshea Butler revealed a chilling trail of evidence that led directly to Cantrell. Despite Jared’s disappearance in March 2023, his body has never been found, and it wasn’t until Deshea went missing four months later that authorities were able to piece together the gruesome events. Surveillance footage linked Cantrell to Deshea’s disappearance, and during a police interview, he allegedly admitted to both murders, providing graphic details of the killings. The admission included shocking revelations about the mutilation and cannibalism of the victims, which were later supported by the autopsy of Deshea Butler. Cantrell is now charged with both murders, although a trial date has yet to be set.

Justice and the Long Road Ahead

As Marc-Anthony Cantrell sits in prison, awaiting trial and serving time for his prior arson conviction, the families of Jared Ondrea and Deshea Butler are left to grapple with the unimaginable pain of their loss. The case serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities in the mental health and criminal justice systems, which failed to protect two innocent lives from a known threat. The upcoming trial will hopefully bring some measure of closure to the victims’ families, but the scars left by these atrocities will remain. For Peggy Ondrea and others affected by this tragedy, the fight for accountability and justice is just beginning, and it will likely be a long and arduous journey.