In the rural stretches of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, a grim discovery shattered the peace of the Rosinville community. On the morning of August 3, 2025, deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a “suspicious package” along White House Pond Road. What they found was far more heartbreaking: the body of 18-year-old Antwon Javice Carmichael, an Orangeburg teen, wrapped in white bedding and discarded in a ditch like a forgotten relic. The chilling scene marked the beginning of a homicide investigation that would grip the community and lead to the arrest of four individuals, each now entangled in a web of charges tied to Carmichael’s untimely death.

The investigation began with uncertainty. For nearly a week, the young man’s identity remained a mystery, his body lying unclaimed as authorities worked tirelessly to piece together the puzzle. The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Paul J. Brouthers, turned to the public for help, releasing a forensic sketch of the victim on August 7. Social media buzzed with shares, and local news outlets amplified the call, urging anyone with information to come forward. Their efforts paid off. On August 9, the coroner’s office confirmed the victim as Antwon Javice Carmichael, a young man whose life was cut short in a brutal act of violence. An autopsy conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina revealed the grim truth: Carmichael’s death was no accident—it was a homicide.

As the investigation deepened, detectives zeroed in on a residence at 36 Peppertree Lane, where they believe Carmichael was killed on or around August 2. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Sam Richardson, worked relentlessly, piecing together evidence with the help of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and other interagency partners. Their dogged pursuit of justice culminated in a breakthrough on August 21, when authorities arrested four suspects in connection with the crime, each accused of playing a role in the tragedy that claimed Carmichael’s life.

The suspects, now facing serious charges, are Jay Kirkland Sneed, 40, and Jessicle Mirclelynn Williams, 34, both charged with murder and accessory before the fact to the desecration of human remains. Sneed faces an additional charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, a detail that hints at the violence that unfolded. Shaquanan Lashia Frayer, 37, and Antoine Johmar Lott, 40, were charged as accessories after the fact, accused of helping to cover up the crime. The arrests sent shockwaves through the community, as the names of those involved became public and the reality of Carmichael’s death settled in.

On August 22, Sheriff Richardson stood before the press at the Dorchester County Council Chambers in Summerville, flanked by detectives and law enforcement partners. In a somber yet resolute tone, he outlined the “significant developments” in the case, crediting the collaborative efforts of SLED, the coroner’s office, and local and federal agencies. “This was a team effort,” Richardson said, emphasizing the critical role that interagency cooperation played in bringing the suspects into custody. Coroner Brouthers echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude to the community and media for their help in identifying Carmichael. “I would like to thank everyone that shared the information on social media, the local news media agencies for assisting us to identify this young man, and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work,” he said.

For the people of Orangeburg County, the loss of Antwon Carmichael is a wound that cuts deep. A memorial service held on August 23 at the House of Praise Non-Denominational Church of Deliverance in Orangeburg was a testament to the community’s grief. Friends, family, and neighbors gathered to honor the memory of a young man described as vibrant and full of potential. The service, organized by Greater Orangeburg Funeral Home, was a moment of collective mourning, with calls for prayers and support for Carmichael’s grieving family.

Yet, even as the community mourns, the pursuit of justice continues. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office are still investigating, determined to uncover every detail of what happened to Carmichael in his final moments. The case has highlighted the strength of community solidarity, with residents and authorities alike coming together to seek answers and hold those responsible accountable. For now, the four suspects remain in custody, their fates tied to the legal proceedings that will unfold in the coming months.

In the heart of Orangeburg County, the memory of Antwon Javice Carmichael lingers—a reminder of a life taken too soon and a community’s resolve to find justice in the face of tragedy.