Shocking Discovery in Orangeburg: Missing Woman Found

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Coastal neighborhood scene with fire pit

News Summary

In Orangeburg, the body of missing woman Penni Whiteside was found in the backyard of her alleged murderer, Sheridan Dirk Fogle. Fogle, 54, has been charged with murder after disturbing details about Whiteside’s disappearance surfaced. She had been missing for over two years, and the discovery has left the community reeling. Fogle’s previous history of domestic violence raises serious questions about the events leading to Whiteside’s tragic end. As investigations continue, residents are grappling with the realization of such violence in their neighborhood.

Shocking Discovery in Orangeburg: Missing Woman Found in Backyard

Orangeburg has been rocked by a tragic and gruesome revelation that has left residents in disbelief. A man, Sheridan Dirk Fogle, aged 54, was arrested this Thursday morning, August 29, 2024, and charged with murder after disturbing details emerged regarding the disappearance of a local woman, Penni Whiteside, 51, who had been reported missing for more than two years.

The Mystery of Penni Whiteside

Whiteside was reported missing on May 11, 2022, after her family and friends lost contact with her. The last known interaction with her occurred back in January 2022. In an eerie twist, Penni had moved to the picturesque coastal area of Murrells Inlet back in January 2020, seeking a serene life, but little did she know, her life would take a dark turn.

At the time of her disappearance, Penni was living with Fogle, who is now in custody, raising the alarming question of what could have transpired behind closed doors. Local police noted an unsettling pattern when they learned from neighbors that Fogle often behaved suspiciously around his backyard fire pit.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The case saw new light when investigators received tips from neighbors, prompting police to proceed with caution. The authorities seized the opportunity and obtained a search warrant for the property on June 12, 2024. What they discovered underneath the fire pit was nothing short of horrifying—the remains of Penni Whiteside.

Witness statements painted a chilling picture of Fogle’s demeanor. Neighbors mentioned he had made vague references to having buried “something” in his yard, raising eyebrows and suspicions. Fogle reportedly exhibited territorial behavior that created a tense atmosphere, leaving many to speculate about the true nature of his relationship with Penni.

Previous Incidents and Community Shock

The situation deepened in complexity with the revelation of Fogle’s troubled history. Back in November 2021, he was arrested for domestic violence after an incident involving physical assault against Whiteside. He was also charged with stealing her credit and debit cards shortly after that altercation. This record of violence had clearly set a troubling precedent leading up to Penni’s disappearance.

Residents now find themselves grappling not only with the loss of life but also with the unsettling realization that such violence could occur within their community. Many expressed how they never envisioned such a bizarre event happening in their neighborhood, leading to fears about safety and trust.

Authorities React to the Tragedy

The police department in Myrtle Beach issued a heartbreaking statement regarding Whiteside’s untimely death, labelling it as “a tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence.” The community has echoed these sentiments, mourning the loss of a life that could have taken a different turn.

The Path Ahead for Fogle and the Investigation

Currently, Fogle is being held at Horry County Jail without the possibility of bond. He has a court date scheduled for December 13, 2024, where further proceedings will determine his fate. Meanwhile, the Horry County Coroner’s Office has not yet disclosed the cause of death for Whiteside, hinting that there may still be more layers to this troubling narrative.

The collaborative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety have played a crucial role in bringing forth the current developments in this haunting case. As residents await more information, one thing is clear: the tragic outcome of Penni Whiteside has left an indelible mark on the community of Orangeburg.