The family of the man, Henry Louis Burton, Jr., reported him missing in June 2023, and his remains were found in November 2023
Credit: ColumbiaPDSC/X
NEED TO KNOW
- Human remains found in South Carolina were identified as Henry Louis Burton Jr., who had been missing for over three years
- Burton’s family reported him missing in June 2023, and his remains were discovered in November of that year
- Authorities are seeking the public’s help finding information about Burton’s death and disappearance
Skeletal human remains discovered in the woods in South Carolina have been identified as a man reported missing over three years earlier.
Over two and a half years after they were discovered, the remains found near a state highway in Jenkinsville, S.C., have been identified as Henry Louis Burton, Jr., the Columbia Police Department (CPD) announced jointly with the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The remains were first found in a wooded area off South Carolina Highway 215 on Nov. 30, 2023, the agencies said in a press release. They have now been positively identified as Burton, who was last seen and reported missing months earlier, in June.
Burton’s family reported him missing to the CPD on June 16, 2023, authorities said. He was last seen just two weeks earlier leaving Transitions Homeless Center in his home city of Columbia, S.C.
Credit: ColumbiaPDSC/X
The remains were identified as Burton with the assistance of the Richland County Coroner’s Office, Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill said in Wednesday’s press release. His cause of death remain unclear, according to authorities.
“At this time, investigators do not know how Burton’s remains came to be in Fairfield County,” the joint press release reads. “The cause and manner of his death have not been determined.”
The CPD is investigating Burton’s death and disappearance, along with the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office. They are seeking the public’s help finding information surrounding Burton’s death and disappearance.
“Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen Burton after June 2, 2023, or who has information about his whereabouts, activities, or the circumstances that led to his remains being located in Fairfield County to come forward,” the agencies said on Wednesday. “Any information, even that which may seem insignificant, could assist investigators in establishing a timeline and determining what happened to Burton.”
Credit: ColumbiaPDSC/X
Anyone with information related to Burton’s case is urged to contact CPD investigators at 803-545-3500. “Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC,” the agencies said.
They added, “This remains an active and ongoing investigation.”
Police also shared “condolences to Burton’s family and loved ones.”
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