Missing Persons Report Leads Authorities to a Dismembered Body Sealed in Plastic Containers

A missing persons report recently led law enforcement to a gruesome discovery in South Carolina. 

According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, relatives of Christy Thomas Ward and Charles Edward Antwine initially said that they had disappeared from their home in Brunswick County, N.C., last week. 

Then on Saturday, June 14, across state lines, a Florence County sheriff’s deputy was checking a local boat landing when they spotted what looked like the roof of a mostly submerged car, according to a news release on Monday, June 16.

First responders arrived to the scene and recovered the unoccupied vehicle, which had a South Carolina license plate registered to the missing Antwine, who authorities learned also has an address near Lake City. 

When deputies checked that property, they noticed an “unusual smell” coming from the residence and no one answered the door when they knocked. 

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Authorities obtained a search warrant and when they entered, deputies found 56-year-old Antwine sitting on a couch inside.

“Investigators then discovered human remains in what are described as plastic containers which were taped shut,” the sheriff’s office said. The identity of the remains has not been announced.

Authorities arrested Antwine at the scene on Sunday, June 15, and charged him with desecration of human remains.

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Keith von Lutcken, the Florence County coroner, ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. 

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be issued, adding that Antwine is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.

It was not immediately clear if Antwine has entered a plea or retained an attorney who can comment on his behalf.