A Gibson teenager was arrested Friday in the shooting death of his mother.

William Luke Cousins, 17, is accused of killing his 39-year-old mother Sarah Williams, of 4360 Main Street.

Sheriff Shep Jones said authorities arrested the teen as he drove up to the home early Friday morning. He was taken into custody without incident, Jones said.

"It is very sad when a child gets involved like this and is charged ... it is always tragic." Jones said.

A family member had called deputies earlier in the week to check on Williams after being unable to reach her for several days.

"As soon as the deputy arrived he could tell that a crime had taken place .. there was evidence that something was wrong," said Jones who did not elaborate on what deputies saw.

Jones said that neither Williams or Cousins were at the home. It is unclear if anyone else lives at the home.

Williams' body was found Friday morning in a rural area of Marlboro County in Marlboro County in South Carolina, approximately eight miles from the residence.

Jones said it appears that she was shot in the face with a 22-caliber rifle. The body has been sent to state Medical Examiners' Office and a report is expected back early next week.

Jones would not say if the teenager has confessed to the crime or how authorities found the body in South Carolina.

Jones did say that officials have not yet determined a motive.

Cousins, who has been charged with first-degree murder, is in the Scotland County jail with no bond. No one else has been arrested in the crime.

Williams was employed at Wal-Mart .

The State Bureau of Investigation and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are assisting in the case.

The case is the first reported killing of 2009 in Scotland County.