News Summary
Authorities have arrested Charles Antwine Jr., 56, in connection with the discovery of human remains linked to a missing persons case from North Carolina. Antwine faces charges of desecration of human remains, and further charges are expected as the investigation unfolds. The remains are suspected to belong to Christy Ward, a woman reported missing alongside Antwine. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in this distressing case.
Lake City, South Carolina
Authorities have made an arrest following the discovery of human remains at the home of Charles Antwine Jr., 56, linked to a missing persons case originating from North Carolina. Antwine has been charged with desecration of human remains, and further charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
The case was initially reported as a missing persons investigation in Brunswick County, North Carolina, where both Antwine and Christy Ward, a 28-year-old woman, were reported missing by their families last week. The situation escalated when a deputy from Florence County discovered a mostly submerged vehicle at the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery. This vehicle was traced back to Antwine due to its South Carolina license plate and was found near his residence on Stillwater Road close to Lake City.
Upon checking on Antwine’s property, deputies noted a strong, unusual odor emanating from the home, despite receiving no response when they knocked on the door. This prompted them to obtain a search warrant. When they entered the house, they found Antwine sitting on a couch and subsequently discovered the human remains in plastic containers that were taped shut.
Sheriff TJ Joye reported that the remains are likely those of Christy Ward, though their identity will not be confirmed until an autopsy is conducted. The coroner has ordered this examination to ascertain the identity and cause of death of the remains found at Antwine’s residence.
On Monday, Antwine appeared in a wheelchair during a bond hearing due to a broken leg. The judge presiding over the case decided to defer any bond decisions to Circuit Court, and Antwine’s next scheduled court appearance is on August 19, 2025.
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement officials indicating that additional charges could be forthcoming as they continue to gather evidence and analyze the situation surrounding the case. Authorities are working diligently to piece together the timeline and circumstances leading to the pair’s disappearance and the grim findings at Antwine’s home.
Community members have expressed concern regarding this harrowing case, emphasizing the importance of safety and vigilance in the area. As law enforcement endeavors to close the case, they are urging anyone with additional information related to the missing persons or the circumstances surrounding the investigation to come forward.
This incident highlights the tragic reality of missing persons cases and the need for a comprehensive response to such alarming situations. As the investigation develops, the community is left in a state of uncertainty while waiting for further details and outcomes in this deeply distressing case.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Missing person
- WRDW
- Google Search: missing persons case South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: human remains discovery
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: missing persons
- KCBD
- Google News: Florence County human remains
