The body of an 18-year-old was discovered along a road in South Carolina on Tuesday, just days after she was reported missing in Union County, North Carolina. Police have taken two suspects into custody in connection to the case. The Union County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the disappearance of Kierstyn Williamson, 18, after her family reported her as missing on June 30th. Williamson, who also went by Jacob, Payge, and Mackennah, had been communicating with a man online and had planned to meet him in person for the first time.
According to the investigation, Joshua Newton, 25, picked up Williamson from a restaurant near her workplace in Laurens and drove her to his house in Monroe, which was approximately two hours away. After approximately 36 hours of searching for Williamson, investigators discovered human remains on Tuesday afternoon, believed to be those of Williamson. The body was found on the side of the road at Mangum School Road in South Carolina, close to Newton’s residence. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the body indeed belonged to Williamson.
During the course of the investigation, authorities arrested Joshua Newton and Victoria Smith, 22. Newton has been charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Meanwhile, Smith faces charges of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact. Investigators believe that Newton killed Williamson at his house, with Smith allegedly assisting in hiding the body.
Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and commended the dedication of the sheriff’s office in bringing those responsible for this tragic loss to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather further evidence and information related to the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities will work diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case against the suspects.