Advisory
Update: Human remains recovered on January 22, 2019 in Bamberg County identified as 18-year-old Malik Spencer
Malik Spencer, 18, of Lobeco was reported missing by family members, after he was last seen on December 18. On December 21, Malik's vehicle was found abandoned near a rural residential area on St. Helena Island. Following the discovery of his vehicle, Sheriff's Office personnel conducted an extensive search of that area, but did not locate Malik. Malik's vehicle was processed for forensic evidence and items were submitted to the Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Laboratory for analysis. Also submited for DNA analysis were personal items of Malik obtained through his family. Malik's DNA profile was developed and uploaded to the DNA database.
On January 22, linemen discovered human remains in the brush off of Highway 78 in Bamberg County. Bamberg County Sheriff's deputies and personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) processed the scene for forensic evidence and the unidentified remains were sent to Newberry for autopsy. Through autopsy, forensic pathologists determined that the remains were that of an adult male, who had died as a result of gunshot wounds. Pathologists concluded that the manner of the unidentified man's death was homicide.
Items recovered during the man's autopsy were subjected to DNA analysis at the SLED forensic laboratory. When the man's DNA profile was entered into the DNA database, it matched the DNA profile of Malik Spencer. Following the match reported by SLED, confirmatory DNA analysis was performed at the Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Laboratory. After review, Sheriff's Office DNA analysts confirmed that the human remains found in Bamberg County on January 22 were Malik Spencer.
The Sheriff's Office appreciates your partnership and continued commitment to the safety of our community.
Update: Human remains recovered on January 22, 2019 in Bamberg County identified as 18-year-old Malik Spencer 
Malik Spencer Missing Person Investigation
Malik Spencer, 18, of Lobeco was reported missing by family members, after he was last seen on December 18. On December 21, Malik's vehicle was found abandoned near a rural residential area on St. Helena Island. Following the discovery of his vehicle, Sheriff's Office personnel conducted an extensive search of that area, but did not locate Malik. Malik's vehicle was processed for forensic evidence and items were submitted to the Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Laboratory for analysis. Also submited for DNA analysis were personal items of Malik obtained through his family. Malik's DNA profile was developed and uploaded to the DNA database.
Discovery of Human Remains in Bamberg County
On January 22, linemen discovered human remains in the brush off of Highway 78 in Bamberg County. Bamberg County Sheriff's deputies and personnel from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) processed the scene for forensic evidence and the unidentified remains were sent to Newberry for autopsy. Through autopsy, forensic pathologists determined that the remains were that of an adult male, who had died as a result of gunshot wounds. Pathologists concluded that the manner of the unidentified man's death was homicide.
DNA Analysis
Items recovered during the man's autopsy were subjected to DNA analysis at the SLED forensic laboratory. When the man's DNA profile was entered into the DNA database, it matched the DNA profile of Malik Spencer. Following the match reported by SLED, confirmatory DNA analysis was performed at the Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Laboratory. After review, Sheriff's Office DNA analysts confirmed that the human remains found in Bamberg County on January 22 were Malik Spencer.
Update on the Investigation
As this may involve multiple jurisdictions in South Carolina, there is now a joint investigation into Malik Spencer's disappearance and murder being conducted by the Sheriff's Office and SLED. We are asking for information from the public to help identify those responsible for Malik's death. Anyone with information is urged to call investigator Brian Abell at 843-255-3436 or Crimestoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111 if wishing to remain anonymous and for possible reward.
The Sheriff's Office appreciates your partnership and continued commitment to the safety of our community.
Address/Location
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
2001 Duke St
Beaufort, SC 29902
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 843-255-3200