News Summary
Two women, Camisha Mcgaskey and Margaret Roberson, now face five counts of trafficking minors and criminal conspiracy related to the death of 11-year-old A’Kyri Bell. The investigation revealed alarming details about child trafficking activities connected to Bell’s tragic demise. Authorities suspect labor trafficking, as the minors were coerced into performing cleaning services. Community members are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions regarding child trafficking. The case has drawn significant attention in Horry County as investigations continue.
Horry County, South Carolina
Two women have been charged in a child trafficking case linked to the tragic death of 11-year-old A’Kyri Bell. Solicitor Jimmy Richardson confirmed this connection during a recent press briefing. The investigation has revealed alarming details about alleged trafficking activities that extend beyond Bell’s tragic demise.
Camisha Mcgaskey, who has been charged with Bell’s murder, along with Margaret Roberson, 56, now face five counts of trafficking minors and criminal conspiracy. The authorities discovered potential child trafficking while investigating Bell’s death, which was determined to be the result of multiple blunt-force injuries. The circumstances surrounding Bell’s death took place at a residence on Sago Palm Drive in the Sago Plantation gated community.
The investigation into child trafficking was prompted by inquiries into the circumstances of Bell’s death. In June, three women had initially been charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the case. One of these women, Lakesha Burnett, has since faced similar obstruction charges linked to Bell’s demise.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), between January 1 and June 11, 2025, Mcgaskey and Roberson reportedly trafficked five minors for forced labor. The minors were allegedly coerced into performing cleaning services at various medical centers around the Conway area. Richardson noted that the authorities suspect labor trafficking rather than sex trafficking in this case.
Further investigative efforts revealed details on how the minors were enticed, solicited, isolated, and transported for labor. Reports indicate that the children involved originally came from their residences before being taken for forced labor. Mcgaskey’s connection to A’Kyri Bell was as her caregiver; Bell had moved from Texas to attend a school in South Carolina.
The emergency call which alerted authorities to Bell’s situation came from within the house, yet the caller’s identity remains unknown. Interestingly, none of the accused women are listed as property owners on Sago Palm Drive, raising questions about their actual residence and connection to the location where the incident occurred.
A’Kyri Bell’s family includes her parents Tarsha Davis and Vernon Bell, as well as her four sisters and four brothers. Two of Bell’s sisters have remarked on the emotional difficulties they face in discussing the case publicly, emphasizing the toll this incident has taken on the family.
In light of these events, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicions regarding child trafficking to local law enforcement officials. The tragic death of A’Kyri Bell and the subsequent disclosures concerning child trafficking highlight significant concerns about the safety of minors in the area.
The charges against Mcgaskey and Roberson add a troubling dimension to a case that has garnered considerable attention within Horry County and beyond. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover more details surrounding both the conditions leading to Bell’s death and the broader implications of the child trafficking allegations.
As of now, Mcgaskey and Roberson are being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, with ongoing investigations expected to yield further developments in this alarming case.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: 11-Year-Old Killed in Horry County Connected to Human Trafficking Case
- Spectrum Local News: Myrtle Beach Women Charged in Human Trafficking Operation
- Fits News: SLED Charges Two Horry County Women for Trafficking Minors
- Myrtle Beach Online: Myrtle Beach Woman Charged in 11-Year-Old’s Death Faces Human Trafficking Allegations
- Live 5 News: SC Attorney General Releases Annual Human Trafficking Report
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
