Richland County coroner identifies body found in woods behind Wendy’s
The Latest:
RICHLAND CO., S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford has identified the victim as Watson Smith “Smitty” Strickland Jr., 74, of Columbia, said the coroner’s office.
Smitty’s body was found on Wednesday, August 14, in a wooded area next to a parking lot on Averyt Avenue.
Original Story (Posted: Aug. 22, 2024):
RICHLAND CO., S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford needs the public’s help in identifying a body found in the woods behind a Wendy’s restaurant.
The Coroner says the body of a white man, known locally by the nickname “Smitty,” was found on Wednesday, August 14 in a wooded area next to a parking lot on Averyt Avenue.
Authorities say the wooded area is directly behind the Wendy’s restaurant at 300 Bush River Road.
According to Rutherford, he was known to frequent Wendy’s, Dollar Tree, and other nearby locations.
He is estimated to be in his 70’s and was of smaller stature with a long gray/white beard and no tattoos.
If you have any information that may lead to his identity and next-of-kin, please contact the Richland County Coroner’s Office Anthropology Office at 803-576-1793.
