South Carolina Man Charged with Murder Following Discovery of Roommate’s Remains Under Fire Pit
A 54-year-old man from Orangeburg, South Carolina, now faces charges of murder after the discovery of his former roommate’s remains in the backyard of his home. The remains were excavated from underneath a fire pit, according to local authorities.
The Arrest
Sheridan Dirk Fogle, the accused, was arrested on a Thursday morning in a joint effort by the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. They executed an arrest warrant related to a missing person and murder case that was opened on May 11, 2022.
The Discovery
The body of the 51-year-old victim, Penni Whiteside, was discovered on June 12, on 1st Avenue in Myrtle Beach, buried in her own yard. She was last known to be alive in the spring of 2022. The coroner’s office in Horry County has declared the death as a homicide under investigation by the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
The Investigation
As per police reports, Whiteside and Fogle were cohabiting in 2022. A series of witness statements from neighbors pointed to the possibility of Whiteside’s remains being buried in the backyard of her home, under a fire pit. This led investigators to apply for a search warrant for the property.
Upon execution of the warrant on June 12, 2024, the investigators found what was later confirmed as human remains of Whiteside. The manner of her demise has not yet been specified. The police department of Myrtle Beach took to social media to express their shock, calling it a “tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence”. They have asked the public to continue praying for the friends and family of Whiteside.
Onward Legal Proceedings
The charges against Fogle were announced following his arrest and subsequent booking into the Horry County Jail. The legal processes will continue as the investigation develops, while the prosecution prepares its case. Additional details about the conversations between the prosecution and Fogle’s legal representatives have not been released publicly.
The Community’s Reaction
The community of Orangeburg and Myrtle Beach has been left in a state of shock and grief following this incident. The friends and relatives of Whiteside are mourning her tragic death and are seeking justice. Residents have spoken of their astonishment and disarray, with many feeling the shock of such a gruesome crime happening in their neighborhood. The local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure all individuals linked to this case are brought to justice while they continue to provide support to Whiteside’s grieving family.
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.
