South Carolina Man Arrested for Murder After Roommate’s Remains Found Buried Under Fire Pit in Backyard

Orangeburg Man Arrested in Connection with Roommate’s Death

In a shocking discovery, an Orangeburg, South Carolina man was arrested earlier this week on charges of murder after the remains of his missing roommate were unearthed in the backyard of his residence. The victim, a 51-year-old woman, was discovered buried beneath a fire pit, two years after her disappearance from their shared living quarters.

Unraveling the Case

The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Sheridan Dirk Fogle, was taken into custody by local law enforcement following the execution of an arrest warrant. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety assisted in apprehending Fogle at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Broughton Street.

The arrest is linked to an ongoing missing person and murder investigation that was initiated by officials back on May 11, 2022, following the disappearance of Penni Whiteside.

The Discovery of Human Remains

On June 12, 2024, investigators delved into the property located on the 600 block of 1st Avenue in Myrtle Beach, in response to testimonies from local residents. Statements made by neighbors hinted at the possibility that the victim may have been laid to rest in the backyard of her own home, beneath the fire pit. Eventually, this search led to the disturbing discovery of Whiteside’s remains.

The Sorrowful Loss

Authorities confirmed that Whiteside and Fogle had been cohabitating in 2022, the same time Whiteside was last reported having been seen. “This is a tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence,” Myrtle Beach police conveyed in a public message, extending their condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

Investigation and Case Development

Details around the exact circumstances leading up to Whiteside’s death are still murky, but the case is now being investigated as a homicide by the Myrtle Beach Police Department. The gruesome circumstances surrounding the discovery of her remains are adding a grim twist to the already tragic case.

Despite the arrest of Fogle, many unanswered questions remain about the chain of events leading up to Whiteside’s untimely death. The public and authorities alike are now anxiously awaiting the results of forensic tests that will likely shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Whiteside’s passing. Fogle, who is currently in custody, is awaiting his day in court.

Story updates and related information can be obtained from the local authorities and concerning governmental departments.