At the Mercy of Evil: The Horrific Slaying of Hannah Cornelius
Alone in the Dark
Twenty-one-year-old Hannah Cornelius and Cheslin Marsh, twenty-two, were the best of friends. Students at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, the fun-loving pair would often spend their downtime together, going to dance clubs to unwind after a long week of studying.
On Saturday, May 27, 2017, they had stayed out painting the town until well after midnight. Although Cheslin had planned on skateboarding back to his flat, Hannah wouldn’t hear of it. Knowing how dangerous the streets could be at such a late hour, she insisted on driving him home in her Volkswagen Citi Golf, a gift from her grandmother.
When they pulled into the parking lot in front of Cheslin’s apartment, their movements were captured on the building’s security cameras. As they sat in the vehicle saying goodnight, four men could be seen walking in and out of frame. Moments later, the group reappears, only this time, they make their way over to Hannah’s car, where they proceed to surround it on all sides.
Even though it was chilly out, the driver’s side window was partially rolled down, giving one of the men just enough room to thrust a screwdriver in Hannah’s face. Realizing in an instant that they were in trouble, Cheslin had made a grab for the makeshift weapon. As he…
