COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Police Department (CPD), in coordination with the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office, announces that skeletal remains discovered in Fairfield County have been positively identified as Henry Louis Burton, Jr. of Columbia, who was reported missing to CPD in June 2023.
Burton was reported missing by his family on June 16, 2023, after he was last seen leaving Transitions in Columbia on June 2, 2023.
On November 30, 2023, skeletal remains were discovered in a wooded area near State Highway 215 North in Jenkinsville, Fairfield County. According to Fairfield County Coroner Chris Hill, the remains were positively identified as Burton with the assistance of the Richland County Coroner’s Office.
At this time, investigators do not know how Burton’s remains came to be in Fairfield County. The cause and manner of his death have not been determined.
CPD extends its condolences to Burton’s family and loved ones.
The circumstances surrounding Burton’s disappearance and death remain under investigation by the Columbia Police Department and Fairfield County Coroner’s Office. Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen Burton after June 2, 2023, or who has information about his whereabouts, activities, or the circumstances that led to his remains being located in Fairfield County to come forward.
Any information, even that which may seem insignificant, could assist investigators in establishing a timeline and determining what happened to Burton.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Columbia Police Department investigators at 803-545-3500. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released when appropriate.
Press Contact: Deputy Chief Melron J. Kelly
