In a disturbing and chilling case, a man from South Carolina, Charles Antwine, is facing charges after his wife’s dismembered remains were discovered in his residence.
Antwine, 56, was found sitting calmly on a couch surrounded by containers containing parts of his wife, Christy Ward. The gruesome scene was discovered following a search prompted by their disappearance in North Carolina.
The Discovery of Human Remains
Charles Antwine and his wife, Christy Ward, were reported missing last week by relatives in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Authorities launched a search for the couple, which led them to a boat landing in Florence County, South Carolina, where a submerged vehicle was found.
The vehicle, registered to Antwine, was initially thought to have been involved in their disappearance. However, it was unoccupied, and further investigation led police to a home in Lake City, South Carolina.
Upon investigating the property, law enforcement officers were struck by an “unusual smell” emanating from the residence. Despite attempts to contact anyone inside, there was no response. Authorities obtained a search warrant and, upon entering, found Antwine sitting on the couch.
Shockingly, investigators discovered multiple plastic containers that were taped shut and filled with body parts. The remains were confirmed to belong to his wife, Christy Ward.
What Led to the Discovery?
Initially, the case began as a missing persons report after both Antwine and Ward were last seen in North Carolina. However, as investigators followed leads, the focus shifted to Antwine when the submerged vehicle was found.
The discovery of the remains at his Lake City residence painted a horrifying picture, with deputies stating that the body parts appeared to be dismembered.
Although Antwine has been charged with desecration of human remains, he is currently only a suspect in his wife’s disappearance. The results of an autopsy conducted by the Florence County coroner are still pending, and further charges could be brought depending on the findings.
The Impact on the Family
The revelation of Christy Ward’s death has left her family devastated. During Antwine’s bond hearing, Ward’s son, Zachary Ward, spoke emotionally about his mother’s life and the pain her loss has caused. “She’s overcome so much.
And she’s been through so much,” he told the court. “She just lost her father. And he was the only one left that she had other than us.” The grief and anger expressed by Ward’s son underscore the heartbreaking nature of the case.
Charles Antwine’s Criminal Case
As of now, Charles Antwine remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing. He is facing charges related to the desecration of human remains, but police caution that additional charges may be forthcoming depending on the autopsy results.
His previous actions and calm demeanor in the face of such horror have shocked both investigators and the public alike.
The case of Christy Ward’s presumed murder and the subsequent discovery of her dismembered remains has stunned the local community. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and authorities are awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the full extent of the crime.
Charles Antwine’s involvement in his wife’s death is still being investigated, and further charges are expected as more information comes to light.