Two Arrested in Connection with Death of Missing 18-Year-Old Found Deceased

Law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals in relation to the tragic demise of an 18-year-old who had gone missing from South Carolina, Your Content has learned.

According to investigators, the victim met someone through an online dating platform, leading to her untimely demise.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, deputies from Union County, North Carolina disclosed their inquiry into the disappearance of Kierstyn Williamson, which commenced on Sunday.

Family members in Laurens, South Carolina reported her missing after she was last seen or heard from on the evening of June 30.

Union County deputies believed that Williamson might be located at a residence on Bethphage Lane in Monroe.

Authorities revealed that Williamson had been engaged in conversations with an individual online, and the two had arranged to meet for the first time on Friday night.

Joshua Newton reportedly picked up Williamson near the restaurant where she was employed in Laurens and transported her back to his residence in Monroe, a journey spanning over two hours.

Concern grew among her family and friends when they failed to establish contact with Williamson, and Union County deputies were informed that she might be with Newton at his home.

“I think they had planned on meeting up and spending some time together on a date, and that’s where she met him. That was the plan,” stated Union County Lt. James Maye. “And unfortunately, it ended in the loss of her life.”

After 36 hours of investigation into Williamson’s disappearance, authorities discovered a body believed to be hers on Tuesday afternoon.

The body was found on the side of a rural road near Chesterfield, South Carolina, a few miles away from Newton’s residence.

Investigators suspect that Newton murdered Williamson at his home, with assistance from his girlfriend in concealing the body.

Deputies apprehended Joshua Newton, 25, and his live-in girlfriend, 22-year-old Victoria Smith, classifying the case as a homicide investigation.

Newton has been charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, while Smith faces charges of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.

“She was a very, very trusting person. She didn’t see the evil in the world. That didn’t register with her; that wasn’t a thing with her,” Maye remarked. “If people were her friends online, that was her friend. That was the way she was. She would have definitely seen them as somebody she could trust by being nice to her.”

Now, the family is left grappling with numerous unanswered questions.

“You don’t just go out of town one day and decide, ‘I’m going to go out of town, pick somebody up, and kill them.’ That doesn’t just pop into your head,” expressed Bible.

“Why her? Why anybody? What did it accomplish? What did you prove? You’re throwing your life away, and you ripped our hearts out.”

Investigators revealed that Williamson also used the names Jacob, Payge, and Mackennah.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey issued a statement, offering condolences to the victim’s family in the wake of this unimaginable loss.

“Over the past several days, the men and women of the Union County Sheriff’s Office have fully dedicated themselves to this case and ensuring the people responsible for this tragic loss were brought to justice,” he stated.

Detectives encouraged anyone with information to contact 911, the UCSO Main Office at 704-283-3789, or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600, according to WSOCTV.

Tips can also be submitted through the UCSO’s free app. Furthermore, investigators urged the community to exercise caution when meeting individuals online