GREENWOOD, S.C. — The body of missing teenager Jacob Williamson was found after his family and friends called the police to report him missing last Friday.
Editor's Note: In coverage originally published on July 7, WCNC Charlotte identified Williamson using his deadname, which refers to the name transgender people have used before their transition. At the time of reporting, this was the legal name provided to WCNC Charlotte by family and law enforcement. On July 25, the written words in this article were updated to reflect Williamson's chosen name. The attached video was originally published on July 7 based on the original reporting.
Williamson's mother, Brittney Shealy, told WCNC Charlotte she had not talked to her child for a month and a half before Williamson left to live with a family friend.
"It still hurts, it does. It's going to hurt forever because that was my firstborn. We taught each other everything," Shealy told WCNC Charlotte's Jane Monreal. "It hasn't hit me yet fully. I know it will. I just don't know when, but I'm lost."
Investigators said Williamson was last seen getting into a car belonging to Joshua Newton last Friday night.
Lieutenant James Maye, public information officer for Union County Sheriff's Office, said Williamson and Newton met each other online about a month before the disappearance.
After an extensive search, investigators discovered Williamson's body on July 4.
"It's a very rural area, just a back country road," Maye said. "[Williamson] was found about 15 to 20 feet off the side of the road deceased."
Maye said technology and the aid of Williamson's family were instrumental in narrowing down their search.
"I know the family was able to provide some location information based on one of the location apps that they had," Maye explained. "I'm not sure which they had but I know they helped some of our detectives with that."
Shealy said she is thankful for the investigators.
"Even though it's got a bad outcome, we're glad to bring some closure to the family and seek justice on their behalf," Maye added.
Joshua Newton and his girlfriend Victoria Smith, from Monroe, remain in jail in Union County. Newton is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Shealy said the plan is to travel to North Carolina and bring Williamson back where they hope to cremate their child and have a memorial service at a future date.
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.