An Orangeburg, South Carolina man has been charged with murder after the remains of a former roommate were found buried under a fire pit in the backyard of his home, according to police. The Myrtle Beach Police Department announced that 54-year-old Sheridan Dirk Fogle was arrested on Thursday and charged with the murder of 51-year-old Penni Whiteside. The U.S. Marshals Service and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety assisted in executing an arrest warrant at Fogle’s residence on Broughton Street in connection to a missing person and murder case that was initiated on May 11, 2022.
The Horry County Coroner’s office confirmed that on June 12, the remains of Penni Whiteside were discovered buried in the yard outside her home in the 600 block of 1st Avenue in Myrtle Beach. Whiteside, who was 51 years old at the time of her disappearance, was last seen in the spring of 2022. The death of Whiteside is being investigated as a homicide by the MBPD.
Whiteside and Fogle were former roommates in 2022, according to police reports. Neighbors provided statements that suggested Whiteside may have been buried in the backyard of her home under a fire pit. This led investigators to obtain a search warrant for the property on 1st Avenue South in Myrtle Beach on June 12, 2024. During the search, human remains were found and later identified as those of Penni Whiteside.
“Myrtle Beach police expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the victim, stating, ‘This is a tragic loss of life and a senseless crime of violence. Please continue to pray for the family and friends of the victim,'” said a spokesperson for the department.
As the investigation into this heinous crime continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the murder of Penni Whiteside and the involvement of Sheridan Dirk Fogle. The community remains shocked by the discovery of the remains and the arrest of Fogle in connection to this disturbing case.
Background of the Case
The case of Penni Whiteside’s murder has sent shockwaves through the community of Myrtle Beach and beyond. Whiteside, a 51-year-old woman, went missing in May 2022, prompting an investigation by local law enforcement. The discovery of her remains buried in the backyard of her former residence has raised many questions about the events leading up to her death and the relationship between Whiteside and Fogle.
According to reports, Whiteside and Fogle were roommates in 2022, living together in Myrtle Beach. Neighbors have provided statements indicating that they suspected foul play in Whiteside’s disappearance, leading investigators to focus their attention on Fogle’s property. The subsequent discovery of Whiteside’s remains has confirmed their worst fears and has resulted in the arrest of Fogle on murder charges.
The tragic nature of this case has left the community in mourning and seeking answers as to how such a horrific crime could have occurred. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to come to light, shedding further light on the events leading up to Whiteside’s death and the motivations behind Fogle’s alleged actions.
Community Reaction
The news of Penni Whiteside’s murder and the arrest of Sheridan Dirk Fogle has left the community of Myrtle Beach reeling in disbelief. Many residents have expressed shock and horror at the gruesome nature of the crime and the proximity to their own homes. The senseless violence that resulted in Whiteside’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice in the community.
Local organizations and community leaders have come together to offer support to Whiteside’s family and friends during this difficult time. Vigils and memorials have been held in honor of Whiteside, as the community grieves the loss of a beloved member. The impact of this tragedy has been felt throughout Myrtle Beach, as residents grapple with the realization that such violence can occur in their own backyard.
As the investigation into Whiteside’s murder continues, the community remains united in their demand for justice and accountability. The arrest of Fogle has provided some closure to those affected by Whiteside’s death, but many questions remain unanswered. The community is determined to see the perpetrator brought to justice and to ensure that such a heinous crime never happens again.
Legal Proceedings
Sheridan Dirk Fogle, the man charged with the murder of Penni Whiteside, is currently facing legal proceedings as the case moves forward. Fogle’s arrest on murder charges has set in motion a series of legal steps that will ultimately determine his guilt or innocence in the death of Whiteside. The prosecution will present evidence against Fogle, while his defense will seek to refute the charges and establish his innocence.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will closely follow the case, eager to see justice served for Penni Whiteside. The outcome of the trial will have far-reaching implications for both the victim’s family and the broader community, as they seek closure and accountability for this senseless act of violence. The legal system will play a crucial role in ensuring that Fogle is held accountable for his alleged actions and that justice is served in the memory of Penni Whiteside.