Man charged with murder of missing roommate whose remains were found under bonfire

A South Carolina man has been charged with murder after the remains of his former roommate were found in the backyard of their home, police said.

Sheridan Dirk Fogle, 54, of Orangeburg was arrested Thursday. He has been charged with murder in the death of Penni Whiteside, 51.

Authorities first opened Whiteside’s missing person case on May 11, 2022. Later, on June 12, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety assisted police by executing an arrest warrant at Fogle’s home.

“The remains of Penni Whiteside were found buried in the front yard of her home,” a representative from the Horry County Coroner’s Office said, according to Fox News.

“Ms. Whiteside was last seen in the spring of 2022 at the age of 51.” The Myrtle Beach Police Department is investigating her death as a homicide.

“This is a tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence,” police said. “Please continue to pray for the victim’s family and friends.”

Both people most likely lived together in 2022.

According to the website, the neighbors gave statements to the police in which they indicated that the woman could have most likely been buried in the garden behind the house, under the fireplace.