News Summary
Authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered in Lake City belong to Christie Thomas Ward, a 50-year-old woman from North Carolina. Her death was ruled as homicide due to blunt force trauma. The investigation led to the arrest of Charles Edward Antwine, who has been charged with desecration of human remains, as the two were reported missing a week prior to the discovery. As the investigation continues, the community is left seeking answers amidst the tragic circumstances surrounding Ward’s death.
Lake City
Authorities have confirmed that the remains discovered in a residence near Lake City belong to Christie Thomas Ward, a 50-year-old woman from Ocean Isle, North Carolina. An autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
The human remains were found on June 15, enclosed in three plastic containers that had been sealed with tape. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death led to the arrest of Charles Edward Antwine, age 56, who has been charged with desecration of human remains. Antwine was in a relationship with Ward, and both individuals had been reported missing from their home in Brunswick County the week prior.
Investigation Timeline
Ward and Antwine were reported missing around June 8, with relatives notifying authorities about their disappearance. The investigation escalated on June 14 when a Florence County sheriff’s deputy discovered a submerged vehicle near Riverside Cemetery. This vehicle was registered to Antwine and linked to an address near Lake City.
Upon further examination of Antwine’s property, law enforcement reported detecting an unusual smell, prompting them to obtain a search warrant. Upon entering the residence, deputies found Antwine sitting on the couch. Shortly thereafter, they discovered the sealed containers containing the remains.
Missing Persons Report
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office had filed a missing person’s report for Ward, officially entering her information into the National Crime Information Center. Although the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office attempted a welfare check on Ward before her remains were discovered, they could not locate her at that time.
Antwine is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed against him as further information becomes available.
Autopsy and Legal Proceedings
The Florence County Coroner ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina as part of the investigation into Ward’s death. The results have provided vital information regarding the nature of her death and have led to the ongoing legal proceedings against Antwine.
Community Impact
The discovery of Ward’s remains has shocked the community, as family and friends continue to seek answers surrounding her tragic death. Support from local residents and organizations is expected as the investigation unfolds. Authorities assure the public that they are committed to uncovering the truth behind these events.
Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available, and further legal actions may take place in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- WECT: Coroner Identifies Remains Found
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- News Nation: Human Remains Identified
- Google Search: Florence County Human Remains
- WPDE: Cassandra Alston Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- People: Dismembered Body Discovery
- Google News: Dismembered Body Florence County

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.