Human remains in Fairfield Co. identified as missing Columbia man

(Courtesy: Columbia Police Dept.) Henry Burton Jr.

FAIRFIELD CO., S.C. (WOLO) – The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office has identified the skeletal remains found in 2023 as a missing Columbia man.

Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill, with the help of Dr. Bill Stevens from Richland County Coroner’s Office, identified the victim as Henry Louis Burton, Jr. of Columbia.

According to Columbia Police, Burton was reported missing by his family on June 16, 2023, after he was last seen leaving Transitions in Columbia on June 2.

On November 30, 2023, authorities say his skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near State Highway 215 North in Jenkinsville.

At this time, investigators say they do not know how Burton’s remains came to be in Fairfield County. The cause and manner of his death have not been determined.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Columbia Police Department investigators at 803-545-3500.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.