Latest Opening Statements Set in Myrtle Beach Firepit Murder Trial
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MYRTLE BEACH, SC · GRAND STRAND EDITION · TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026
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Opening Statements Set in Myrtle Beach Firepit Murder Trial

Published October 27, 2026 at 6:56 am | By Alisha T. Quintero, Staff Reporter

Empty courtroom with judge bench

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Jurors were seated Monday in the murder trial of Sheridan Fogle, the man charged in the death of Penni Whiteside, whose remains turned up behind her Myrtle Beach residence, and opening statements are set for Tuesday morning.

Whiteside, 51, shared her home with Fogle when she vanished in May 2022. Two years passed before investigators dug up her remains beneath a fire pit out back. Fogle, now 56, denies the murder charge and could spend the rest of his life in prison if a jury convicts him.

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In court testimony Monday, a forensic psychologist from the Medical University of South Carolina said Fogle is competent to stand trial, and Judge G.D. Morgan Jr. accepted that finding. The judge then cleared the way for jurors to see recorded police interviews, overruling objections from defense attorney Elizabeth Tilley.

Myrtle Beach Police investigated the disappearance and found Fogle in Orangeburg, where he was arrested. Nancy Livesay is trying the case for the solicitor’s office of the 15th Circuit, which covers Horry County, and expects testimony to wrap up by Oct. 29.

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Section: More Myrtle Beach SC crime news

Filed under: Myrtle Beach SC Crime News

Alisha T. Quintero
HERE Myrtle Beach · CRIME

Alisha is a staff reporter for HERE Myrtle Beach covering local news, community stories, and developments across Horry County. Alisha is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.

Contact Alisha
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