BENNETTSVILLE— The Marlboro County Coroner’s Office confirmed Monday that human remains previously found inside of a trash receptacle this past April were that of 43-year-old Chesterfield County woman LaShaunda Spurlock. But questions have arisen about jurisdiction as both Bennettsville Police and the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office say it’s the other agency’s case.
Spurlock had been missing since 2024.
Following the discovery of Spurlock’s remains, Bennettsville man Luke Douglas Jr., was arrested in connection with the case and charged with Desecration of Human Remains. In April, Douglas admitted to law enforcement he hid the body in a storage area inside of the apartment complex where he lived. He later said he moved the body to the trash receptacle, also located at the apartment complex.
The Herald-Advocate reached out to Bennettsville Police Chief Sammy Crosland regarding any updates in the case.
“There will be no additional charges filed by the Bennettsville Police Department in connection with this case. The charges currently being filed are the same charges that were established from the beginning of the investigation. No new or additional charges have been added at this time,” Crosland said. “The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and any questions regarding the possibility of additional charges against the suspect should be directed to their office. As the lead investigative agency, Chesterfield County will be in the best position to provide any updates concerning the investigation, the suspect status, or whether additional charges may be considered as the investigation progresses. The Bennettsville Police Department remains committed to providing accurate and factual information to the public while respecting the Integrity of the ongoing investigation and the responsibilities of the lead agency.”
However, according to Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater, his agency’s involvement in this case came to an end with the identification of Spurlock.
“This case is not in our jurisdiction, we did not file the initial charges,” said Streater. “All we had was a missing person’s case and now that the body has officially been identified, we have closed our missing person’s case. Our office is not investigating anything further.”
At this time, Marlboro County Coroner D’Aron Smith said his office is not prepared to release a cause of death in Spurlock’s case. Smith says he is awaiting results from further testing that has already been completed.
“We should have an answer in the next two weeks, but that is not etched in stone,” Smith said.
“We know the Spurlock family has endured nearly two years of uncertainty, holding onto hope while searching for answers,” Smith wrote in a media release. “We also extend our deepest condolences to them during this incredibly painful time.”