Human remains found in plastic containers after deputies respond to missing person report

FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – Human remains were found in a man’s home after a missing persons report in North Carolina, deputies say.

Charles Antwine Jr., 56, was arrested and charged with desecration of human remains.

The sheriff’s office said what began as a missing persons case out of Brunswick County, N.C., turned into a death investigation.

Loved ones reported Christy Ward and Antwine missing from the home last week.

A Florence County deputy was checking the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday when he saw the roof of a mostly submerged car.

The South Carolina license plate was registered to Antwine, who has an address on Stillwater Road near Lake City.

Deputies went to the home to conduct a property check, where they detected an unusual smell coming from the house, and no one was answering.

They obtained a search warrant, and when entering the home, they found Antwine sitting on the couch.

That’s when investigators also discovered human remains in plastic containers that were taped shut.

Sheriff TJ Joye said the remains are most likely those of Ward, but the sheriff’s office is waiting for an official confirmation from the autopsy.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.

During a bond hearing on Monday, a judge deferred bond to the circuit court.

His first appearance is scheduled for Aug. 19, 2025.

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