Teen Found Dead After Online Date

UNION COUNTY, SC – Two people have been arrested for the murder of Kierstyn Williamson, an 18-year-old transgender resident of South Carolina who went missing last week during a date with a man they met online.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina received a report from Williamson’s family on Sunday morning, prompting an investigation. Acting on a tip that Williamson might be located at a home in Monroe, North Carolina, authorities began their search. Williamson had not been seen or heard from since Friday evening.

Kierstyn Williamson

According to the sheriff’s office, Williamson had engaged in online conversations with a man for approximately a month and had plans to meet in person for their first date. The office further revealed that Joshua Newton allegedly visited the restaurant where Williamson was employed in Laurens, South Carolina, and subsequently drove them back to his residence in Monroe, which was over two hours away.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office uncovered a body believed to be that of Williamson, located a few miles away from Newton’s house. Police have not said how Williamson was killed.

Newton and his live-in girlfriend, Victoria Smith, were both arrested in connection with the crime. Law enforcement authorities assert that Newton committed the murder at his residence, with Smith assisting in concealing the body.

The charges filed include first-degree murder and obstruction of justice against Newton, aged 25, and obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact against Smith, aged 22.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim in this case as they begin to mourn this unimaginable loss,” said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey. “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.”

The investigation into this homicide case is still ongoing.

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