A History of South Carolina's Most Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries

South Carolina is home to a number of bizarre and unsolved cold cases that continue to baffle investigators and haunt the communities. These cases, some of which date back decades, remain unresolved despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement and advancements in forensic technology. Here are some of the most intriguing unsolved cases in South Carolina:

The Disappearance of Dail Dinwiddie

Dail Dinwiddie was last seen in Columbia on September 24, 1992.Photo byPost and Courier

One of the most famous unsolved cases in South Carolina is the disappearance of Dail Dinwiddie. On September 24, 1992, the 23-year-old vanished after attending a U2 concert in Columbia. She was last seen around 2:00 a.m. near the Five Points area, trying to find a ride home.

Despite extensive searches and numerous leads over the years, including a potential connection to convicted murderer Reinaldo Javier "Ray" Rivera, no trace of Dinwiddie has ever been found, and her case remains a mystery.

The Disappearance of Jeremy James Grice

Jeremy James Grice disappearance has baffled investigators for almost four decades.Photo byMatthew Enfinger/Post and Courier

On a cold and rainy Thursday morning in 1985, Jeremy Grice mysteriously vanished from his North Augusta home. Earlier that morning, his mother had checked on him before leaving for work, assuming he was asleep. His stepfather reported him missing at 10 a.m. that morning.

A neighbor claimed to have seen Jeremy standing outside by the road with his bicycle as if he were waiting for the bus, even though he didn't have school that day. Despite extensive searches, including draining ponds and interviewing potential suspects, Jeremy's whereabouts remain unknown.

The Triple Homicide of Blue Ridge Savings Bank

Sylvia Holtzclaw, Elbert Barnes, and Margaret Barnes, were left murdered in the bank in 2003.Photo byUnsolved Mysteries

On May 16, 2004, Sylvia Holtzclaw, a teller at Blue Ridge Savings Bank in Greer, and Elbert Barnes, a physics professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate, along with his wife Margaret Barnes, were tragically shot to death inside the bank. Despite ongoing efforts over the past two decades, the case remains unsolved.

Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have investigated numerous leads and received hundreds of tips, but no concrete suspects have emerged. A potential suspect, who killed himself during a traffic stop in Georgia after stealing a rental car in Columbia, was considered but lacked any evidence linking him to Greer.

The Greer Police Department, with many officers who were on duty that day still actively involved, has renewed its commitment to solving this case. The investigation remains open, and the mystery continues to linger.

The Disappearance of Malakia Logan

Malakia Logan went missing in Greenwood on May 15, 1988.Photo byStories of the Unsolved

On May 15, 1988, nine-year-old Malakia Logan vanished from a park near her apartment complex in Greenwood, South Carolina. She had been playing basketball with her sister when she decided to go home. Witnesses reported seeing a man in a dark, older model Monte Carlo in the area, but no direct evidence linked him to Malakia.

Her remains were found two years later by a deer hunter, but despite charges being brought against Charles Wade Hampton, the case remains unsolved due to lack of evidence. Logan's case remains one of the most heartbreaking in South Carolina's history, highlighting the vulnerability of children and the lasting impact on their families and communities.

The Missing Persons of the I-20 Corridor

Over the years, multiple bodies have been found along I-20 in South Carolina.Photo byAA Roads

The I-20 corridor, which runs through South Carolina, has been the site of numerous unsolved disappearances and murders. Over the years, several bodies have been discovered along this stretch of highway, leading some to speculate about the presence of a serial killer. Despite various investigations, many of these cases remain unsolved, with families still seeking answers about their missing loved ones. The sheer number of disappearances and murders along this corridor suggests a disturbing pattern that continues to evade law enforcement.

Advances in Cold Case Investigations

South Carolina law enforcement agencies have made strides in tackling these cold cases through the establishment of specialized units and the use of modern forensic technologies. For example, the Charleston Police Department set up a Cold Case Unit in 2005, which has been instrumental in revisiting old cases with new techniques. In some instances, DNA evidence has helped solve decades-old murders, providing closure to families and communities. However, despite these advancements, many cases remain unsolved, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by investigators.