Myrtle Beach, August 14, 2025
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach community is reeling after the death of 11-year-old A’Kyri Star’lynne Bell, linked to a child trafficking operation involving her caregiver. Investigators uncovered evidence of abuse and forced labor affecting multiple minors, resulting in several arrests. The case highlights growing concerns over child safety and human trafficking in the area, prompting law enforcement to take immediate action. A total of seven children have been removed for their protection as investigations continue.
A Deeply Troubling Case Unfolds in Myrtle Beach
In what can only be described as a tragic and horrifying story, the life of 11-year-old A’Kyri Star’lynne Bell was cut short in a brutal incident that has rocked the Myrtle Beach community. A’Kyri was found deceased at Sago Plantation, a well-heeled gated community near the popular Legends Golf Course. It’s a serene area that now faces dark revelations following the discovery of a disturbing pattern of abuse.
A Tragic Turn of Events
A’Kyri was reportedly staying with her caregiver, Camisha McGaskey, at 167 Sago Palm Drive. Initially, it was believed that the young girl was just visiting family at the residence, but as investigations continued, it became clear that A’Kyri had been living there. Her father had dropped her off in Myrtle Beach along with other relatives, hoping it would be a safe environment for her.
A Shocking Discovery
As the investigation unfolded, authorities labeled A’Kyri’s death as a “horrific crime.” The crime scene revealed that A’Kyri suffered from blunt force trauma to the head, leading to charges of murder against 31-year-old McGaskey. However, the case didn’t stop there. Instead of being a standalone incident, investigators uncovered links to a wider human trafficking operation harming multiple minors in the area.
During their search, law enforcement uncovered evidence suggesting that five other minors were being forced into unpaid labor while living in the home. Disturbingly, these children would often refer to McGaskey as “Mama.” Besides the murder charge, she faces accusations of abusing multiple other children under her care. These findings have sent shockwaves throughout the community and raised serious concerns about child safety in Myrtle Beach.
Multiple Arrests and Charges
A total of five individuals have been arrested in connection with this case. Apart from McGaskey, the suspects include Lakesha Burnett, Alantis Thomas, Margaret Roberson, and Darnell Dearmas. They’ve all been charged with multiple counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, a serious offense that highlights the recurring patterns of abuse within this case. Investigators found mops and bedding testing positive for blood, pointing to the severity of A’Kyri’s treatment and further highlighting the serious nature of this situation.
An Increase in Human Trafficking
This tragic death has raised red flags concerning the growing problem of human trafficking in South Carolina. In 2024, statewide reports indicated a whopping 392 suspected victims, marking a significant increase. This alarming statistic underscores the gravity of the situation and calls for prompt action from community and law enforcement agencies alike. The involvement of Homeland Security and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the investigation has also shed light on a larger issue that’s affecting vulnerable populations throughout the state.
Next Steps and Further Investigation
Following the incident, a total of seven children were removed from the residence and placed into state custody for their protection. As authorities continue to delve deeper, they are working to assess the connections among the adults involved. Most claim familial ties to the minors, but the truth remains to be fully uncovered. As investigations evolve, it’s expected that additional charges may arise, including those potentially against a sixth suspect currently under investigation.
A Community in Shock
The residents of Myrtle Beach are in shock over these distressing revelations. The ongoing investigation aims to bring justice for A’Kyri and ensure the safety of children in the community. Amidst this heartbreaking story, one thing is clear: the fight against child trafficking and abuse needs to be taken more seriously than ever.
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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.
