Myrtle Beach man, 54, charged with murder after girlfriend"s remains found

Sheridan Dirk Fogle, a 54-year-old man from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Penni Whiteside, who had been missing since May 2022. Authorities discovered her remains buried under a firepit at their home after neighbors reported suspicious behavior. Fogle had reportedly become 'territorial' about the area, raising suspicions among those living nearby. The investigation began when police obtained a search warrant on June 12, 2023, leading to the excavation of the firepit where the remains were found in a wooden box. The Horry County Coroner's Office later confirmed the identity of the remains as Whiteside's. Fogle was arrested in Orangeburg, approximately 140 miles from Myrtle Beach, after the discovery. Fogle's behavior prior to the discovery included comments about burying something in the backyard, which contributed to the investigation. The couple had a documented history of domestic violence, which may have played a role in the tragic events leading to Whiteside's disappearance and subsequent murder. This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence and its potential consequences. The Myrtle Beach Police Department expressed condolences to the victim's family and friends, emphasizing the senseless nature of the crime. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the loss and the implications of such violence in their midst.