LAKE CITY, S.C. — A missing persons report out of Brunswick County, N.C., led investigators to a gruesome discovery and the arrest of a Lake City man after dismembered human remains were found in his residence, authorities said.
On Saturday, a Florence County Sheriff’s Office deputy checking the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery spotted the roof of a mostly submerged vehicle. The vehicle, which was unoccupied, was pulled from the river with assistance from Fire, EMS and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources personnel.
The vehicle’s South Carolina license plate was registered to Charles Edward Antwine, 56, who resides on Stillwater Road near Lake City. Antwine and Christy Thomas Ward had both been reported missing earlier in the week from Brunswick County.
Deputies conducted a welfare check at Antwine’s listed residence and reported detecting an unusual odor. With no one answering the door, investigators obtained a search warrant. Inside the home, Antwine was found sitting on a couch. A further search revealed human remains inside plastic containers that had been sealed with tape.
Antwine was taken into custody at the scene and charged with desecration of human remains under South Carolina Code 16-17-600(A). He is being held at the Florence County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
Autopsy ordered as investigation continues
Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken has ordered an autopsy of the remains at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The identity of the remains has not yet been confirmed, and officials have not disclosed if they belong to one or both of the missing individuals.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional charges may be filed. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Antwine’s arrest came one day after the vehicle was recovered from the river and linked to the missing persons case.