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Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of an 18-year-old who went missing in South Carolina. According to investigators, the victim, Kierstyn Williamson, also known as Jacob, was killed after meeting someone through an online dating site.
The investigation into Williamson’s disappearance began on Sunday when family members reported him missing in Laurens, South Carolina. He was last seen or heard from on the evening of June 30. Union County deputies believed Williamson to be at a home on Bethphage Lane in Monroe, North Carolina.
Investigators discovered that Williamson had been communicating with a man online and had planned to meet in person for the first time on Friday night. Joshua Newton, the man Williamson had been talking to, picked him up near the restaurant where he worked in Laurens and drove him back to his home in Monroe, which was over two hours away.
Concerns arose when family and friends did not hear from Williamson, and authorities were informed that he might have been with Newton at his home. After 36 hours of investigation, a body believed to be Williamson’s was found on the side of Mangum School Road in South Carolina, a few miles from Newton’s house.
Investigators believe that Newton killed Williamson at his home, and his girlfriend, Victoria Smith, helped him hide the body. Both Newton and Smith have been taken into custody, and the case has been classified as a homicide investigation. Newton, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, while Smith, 22, has been charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.
Williamson’s uncle, Chad Bible, expressed his devastation, describing his nephew as a trusting individual who did not see the evil in the world. The family is left with numerous unanswered questions and is struggling to comprehend the senseless act.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey extended his condolences to Williamson’s family and praised the dedication of the Union County Sheriff’s Office in bringing the responsible individuals to justice.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and have reminded the community to exercise caution when meeting people online.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with online interactions and the importance of personal safety.
How did the Union County Sheriff’s Office investigate and apprehend the individuals involved in Williamson’s death
Connection Made: Two Arrested in South Carolina Teen’s Death
In a chilling turn of events, two individuals have been apprehended in relation to the untimely death of Kierstyn Williamson, an 18-year-old who disappeared in South Carolina. Shockingly, investigators have discovered that Williamson, who also went by Jacob, was killed after arranging a meeting with someone through an online dating website.
The investigation into Williamson’s disappearance first began when concerned family members reported him missing in Laurens, South Carolina. It was revealed that he was last seen or heard from on the evening of June 30. Union County deputies soon learned that Williamson may have been near a residence on Bethphage Lane in Monroe, North Carolina.
Further digging into the case revealed that Williamson had been engaging in online conversations with an individual, eventually planning a face-to-face meeting for the first time on Friday night. The person he had been in contact with, Joshua Newton, picked him up from the restaurant where he worked in Laurens and drove him back to his residence in Monroe, a journey that took over two hours.
Concerns escalated when Williamson failed to contact his loved ones, leading authorities to suspect he might be at Newton’s dwelling. After 36 painstaking hours of investigation, investigators located a body, believed to be Williamson’s, on the side of Mangum School Road in South Carolina, merely a few miles away from Newton’s home.
Investigators strongly believe that Newton committed the heinous act at his residence, while his girlfriend, Victoria Smith, assisted in concealing the body. Both Newton and Smith have since been taken into custody, and the case has been officially recognized as a homicide. Newton, 25, is now facing charges of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, while Smith, 22, has been charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.
The heartbroken uncle of the victim, Chad Bible, expressed his devastation, describing his nephew as a trusting individual who did not perceive the darkness that exists in the world. Left with countless unanswered questions, the family is struggling to comprehend the senseless nature of this tragedy.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey offered his sincerest condolences to Williamson’s grieving family, praising the unwavering commitment of the Union County Sheriff’s Office in ensuring the perpetrators face justice.
Authorities are urging anyone with any information to step forward, emphasizing the importance of the community’s assistance in shedding light on this harrowing incident. Additionally, they have reminded everyone to exercise caution when engaging in online interactions, highlighting the potential dangers and the paramount significance of personal safety.
This distressing incident serves as a somber reminder for all to remain vigilant and cautious when interacting with others online.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the realm of online dating. It’s crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and exercise caution when meeting strangers from dating sites.