Man found sitting on couch surrounded by containers of human remains, investigators say

FLORENCE CO., S.C. (WPDE) — Florence County Magistrate Mona Lisa Andrews didn’t set bond Monday afternoon for a man found sitting on couch surrounded by containers of human remains, according to investigators.

Charles Edward Antwine Jr., 56, has been arrested in the ongoing investigation of a missing woman in Brunswick County.

According to a release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, a missing persons report from Brunswick County led Florence County Sheriff’s Office investigators to charge Antwine with desecration of human remains.

Relatives reported Christy Thomas Ward and Antwine missing from their home in Brunswick County last week.

On Saturday, a Florence County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy was checking the Lynches River boat landing at Riverside Cemetery and saw what appeared to be the roof of a submerged vehicle.

Multiple agencies, including fire, EMS and South Carolina DNR, responded to the scene and recovered the unoccupied vehicle, according to the release.

The license plate from South Carolina was registered to Antwine, with an address near Lake City. Deputies went for a property check of the location and detected an “unusual smell” from the residence.

The release states that when there was no response to knocks on the door, a search warrant was obtained, and Antwine was found sitting on the couch. Investigators then found human remains in three “plastic containers” which had been taped shut.

Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye said those human remains are at this point believed to be those of Ward.

Joye said this is one of the most horrific cases they’ve ever investigated.

It’s a very horrific crime,” said Joye. “I’ve had my investigators out there all day, yesterday. And it’s one of the worst we’ve ever seen. It’s something like out of some horror movie. Very horrific.

Joye said Antwine isn’t talking about what happened, but is a person of interest in Ward’s presumed death.

He said Ward and Antwine were a couple, but he’s not sure if they were married or not.

Ward’s sons appeared in court during Antwine’s bond hearing.

Zachard Ward was very emotional when he addressed the court.

This is just wrong. My mother is not a bad person,” said Ward. “No matter what she’s done. She’s overcome so much. And she’s been through so much. She just lost her father. And he was the only one left that she had other than us.

Judge Andrews said a circuit court judge will have to determine if Antwine will be granted bond, because of the ongoing investigation and the disturbing nature of the case.

An autopsy on the human remains has been ordered and should be done Thursday, according to Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken.

Lutcken said the autopsy will also determine the cause and manner of death.