News Summary
Deputies in Florence County are investigating a gruesome discovery of human remains related to a missing couple, Christy Ward and Charles Antwine Jr. The investigation began after family raised concerns about their safety, leading deputies to various locations and ultimately to a residential property in Lake City. Inside the home, deputies found body parts in totes and charged Antwine with desecration of human remains. The investigation continues as the search for further evidence unfolds, leaving the community and the families impacted in shock.
Lake City, South Carolina – Gruesome Discovery Leads to Murder Investigation of Missing Couple
Deputies in Florence County have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains and body parts in a residential property near Lake City, South Carolina. This investigation stems from a missing persons case involving Christy Ward and Charles Antwine Jr., who were reported missing from their Brunswick County, North Carolina home last week.
The investigation was triggered when law enforcement received reports about the missing couple. Family members indicated that Ward and Antwine had last been seen sometime last week, prompting concerns for their safety. Initial efforts to locate them led deputies to check various locations, including an area near Riverside Cemetery, where a submerged vehicle was reported.
Upon searching the area, a deputy discovered a partly submerged vehicle registered to Antwine at the Lynches River boat landing. However, upon recovering the car, there were no occupants inside, raising further alarm about the couple’s whereabouts. This finding urged deputies to examine Antwine’s home on Stillwater Road near Lake City, where police suspected further developments related to the case.
While investigating the residence, deputies noticed a foul odor emanating from the property. Their attempts to gain a response through knocking went unanswered, leading them to obtain a search warrant to enter the home. Upon entering, deputies found Antwine seated on his couch in a wheelchair, having sustained a broken leg.
Inside the residence, investigators made a gruesome discovery. They unearthed body parts contained within three plastic totes that were taped shut. Following this chilling find, Antwine was taken into custody and charged with desecration of human remains. As the investigation unfolds, additional charges are anticipated as law enforcement efforts continue.
During a recently held bond hearing, Antwine appeared in court, visibly in a wheelchair due to his injury. An emotional moment unfolded as Ward’s son attended the session, making a heartfelt plea for justice as the family grapples with the devastating implications of these events.
Subsequent to the recovery of the remains, the Florence County coroner ordered an autopsy to confirm the identity of the human remains, which are suspected to belong to Christy Ward. The official identification is still pending but is crucial to the case moving forward.
In light of the serious nature of the charges, a judge denied Antwine’s bond request and referred the decision to a higher Circuit Court for further consideration. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, 2025, where he will face the consequences of the allegations against him.
This tragic situation has drawn widespread attention to the investigation into the couple’s lives and the circumstances leading to their disappearance. As officials continue to gather evidence and search for additional details, the focus remains on providing answers to the families affected and ensuring justice is served. The community is left reeling from the implications of these developments, underscoring the grave reality faced by the families of missing persons.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Human Remains Discovered
- Wikipedia: Missing Persons
- WPDE: Florence Shooting Incidents
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina Crime Rates
- Post and Courier: Florence Jail Death Investigation
- Google Scholar: Florence County Murder Investigation
- ABC News: OSHA Investigation in Florence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal System
- WCPO: Murder-Suicide Investigation in Florence
- Google News: Florence South Carolina Local News
