A man from Orangeburg, South Carolina, named Sheridan Dirk Fogle has been charged with the murder of his former roommate, 51-year-old Penni Whiteside, after her remains were found buried under a fire pit in the backyard of his home. Fogle was arrested by the Myrtle Beach Police Department with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. The investigation into Whiteside’s disappearance and murder began on May 11, 2022, and her remains were discovered on June 12, 2024, in the 600 block of 1st Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The Horry County Coroner’s office confirmed that Whiteside was last seen in the spring of 2022. The death is being treated as a homicide.
Whiteside and Fogle lived together in 2022, according to police, and neighbors had reported suspicious statements that indicated Whiteside may have been buried in the backyard of her home under a fire pit. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the property on 1st Avenue South in Myrtle Beach and discovered human remains that were later positively identified as Whiteside. Myrtle Beach police described the incident as a “tragic loss of life” and a “senseless crime of violence.” They urged the community to pray for Whiteside’s family and friends as they deal with the aftermath of the crime.
The specific circumstances surrounding Whiteside’s murder remain unclear, and it is not known what motivated Fogle to allegedly take her life. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities are likely working to gather more evidence and information to build a solid case against Fogle. The arrest of Fogle and the discovery of Whiteside’s remains have undoubtedly left the community in shock and mourning for the loss of an individual who met a tragic end to her life. The Myrtle Beach Police Department is committed to seeking justice for Whiteside and holding those responsible for her death accountable.
The case involving Whiteside’s murder has brought attention to the prevalence of violence and crime in Orangeburg and surrounding areas of South Carolina. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement. The collaboration between multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, highlights the dedication of authorities in investigating and solving cases of violent crime. Despite the tragic nature of Whiteside’s death, her case underscores the importance of swift and thorough police work in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The impact of Whiteside’s murder on her loved ones and the community at large cannot be understated. The loss of a life in such a violent and senseless manner has undoubtedly shaken those who knew her and has left a lasting scar on the community. The grief and mourning experienced by Whiteside’s family and friends will undoubtedly be a long and difficult process as they come to terms with the tragic circumstances of her death. The Myrtle Beach Police Department’s plea for prayers for Whiteside’s loved ones underscores the need for support and compassion in times of tragedy and loss.
As the investigation into Whiteside’s murder continues, authorities will likely work diligently to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and build a strong case against Fogle. The criminal justice system will play a critical role in holding Fogle accountable for his alleged actions and ensuring that justice is served for Whiteside and her family. The community’s vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement will be crucial in preventing similar acts of violence and bringing closure to this tragic case. The memory of Penni Whiteside will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her untimely passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking justice for victims of violent crime.
