Coroner Laura Kneece says that the Newberry County Coroner’s Office along with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement, DNA Lab, has received positive identification of the remains found in the Silver Street area of Newberry County. The remains have been scientifically identified through the DNA process as those of Donnie Richardson, Sr., 62 years of age.
Mr. Richardson was reported missing to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of November 26, 2016.
Sheriff Lee Foster said that investigators from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office were in the area searching for any signs of Donnie Richardson using the SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) helicopter Wednesday afternoon when the spotted clothing lying on the ground in a dense hardwood tree thicket located approximately ¼ mile from Richardson’s home.
“This is an unfortunate event however being able to bring closure to Mr. Richardson’s family is a priority of the Coroner’s Office,” said Coroner Kneece.
Autopsy results are still pending but there are no signs of foul play.
