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Missing 18-year-old who was found dead met suspect on dating app, sheriff says

Two suspects are facing charges after Union County deputies found the body of a missing 18-year-old South Carolina woman on July Fourth.

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Two people are in jail after a missing Laurens, South Carolina woman's body was found dead along Mangum School Road in a rural area in South Carolina just south of the state line. 

However, investigators said there was evidence to suggest that the crime occurred in Union County, North Carolina before the body was taken to be left about 20 feet off the side of the road.

The Union County Sheriff's Office received a report on Sunday that 18-year-old Kierstyn Makennah Williamson was believed to be at a home on Bethpage Lane in Monroe. Williamson's family reported her missing to the Laurens Police Department after they were unable to contact her on June 30, investigators said. 

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On Tuesday, Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey confirmed Williamson's death. Two people were arrested in connection with the grim discovery. Joshua Newton, 25, was charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the case. 

Deputies also arrested 22-year-old Victoria Smith. She was charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact. Newton and Smith lived together on Bethpage Lane. Both suspects are in custody at this time. 

Credit: Union County Sheriff's Office
(L-R): Joshua Newton, Victoria Smith

Lieutenant James Maye, public information officer for Union County Sheriff's Office, said Williamson and Newton met each other online about 30 days before the homicide. 

He said detectives on the case learned Newton and Williamson were meeting for the first time in person last Friday night when Newton picked her up at her workplace.

"Miss Williamson willingly got in the car with Mr. Newton under the pretense that she was going on a date with him," Maye said. 

He said the medical examiner is working to determine the final cause of death and a timeline.

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"There’s absolutely no evidence at this point to suggest that Kierstyn was targeted based on her identity or who she identified as," Maye added.

He said people using dating apps should watch out for the potential for predators to seek out potential victims.

"If you’re going to meet with somebody in person, we want to encourage you to meet in a very public place, maybe bring a friend with you," Maye suggested. "Always have your location services and things like that turned on, on your mobile devices and make sure someone knows where you’re at, at all times."

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. 

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim in this case as they begin to mourn this unimaginable loss," Cathey said in a statement, vowing to bring those responsible for Williamson's death to justice. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600. Witnesses may also contact the Union County Sheriff's Office at 704-283-3789.

Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.  

WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings. 

WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case due to the serious nature of the charges. 

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