A tragic discovery has led to a grim conclusion in Myrtle Beach.
Sheridan Dirk Fogle was arrested after the remains of his former roommate, Penni Whiteside, were found buried under a fire pit in her backyard, Fox News reported.
Last spring, Penni Whiteside vanished without a trace, sparking widespread concern and a subsequent police investigation.
This 51-year-old Myrtle Beach resident was last seen alive in early 2022, but it wasn't until over two years later that a grim discovery would bring closure to her mysterious disappearance.
The investigation into Whiteside's disappearance gained traction when her remains were uncovered on June 12, 2024. Situated beneath a fire pit in the yard of her residence along 1st Avenue South, this discovery confirmed law enforcement's worst suspicions about her fate. Whiteside's home, once a place of solace and safety, had become a crime scene.
Authorities were promptly alerted to the possibility of Whiteside being buried on her property. Neighbor insights pointed investigators toward considering the fire pit area as a potential grave site, prompting them to secure a detailed search warrant for the premises, leading to their harrowing find.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department and the Horry County Coroner's Office confirmed the discovery of Whiteside's remains. "On June 12, in the 600 block of 1st Avenue in Myrtle Beach, the remains of Penni Whiteside were located buried in the yard outside of her home," said the Horry County Coroner's Office. This turned an ongoing missing person case into a clear homicide.
Following the discovery, authorities executed an arrest warrant at Sheridan Dirk Fogle's Orangeburg home. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety arrested Fogle, 54, the former roommate now accused of murder.
The community and law enforcement have expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Myrtle Beach police conveyed their grief in a somber Facebook post: "This is a tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence." Consequently, the case highlights the disturbing reality of domestic disputes escalating to violence.
MBPD's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the motives behind Whiteside's murder and the events leading up to it. In addition, the discovery of Whiteside's remains enabled law enforcement to apprehend the prime suspect swiftly.
While the case's resolution offers some closure, many questions about Penni Whiteside's tragic death remain unanswered. Nevertheless, the arrest of Sheridan Dirk Fogle marks the beginning of a lengthy judicial process aimed at delivering justice. As the community mourns, it finds solace in the pursuit of truth and accountability.
