Human remains found in suitcase identified as missing 32-year-old woman: WPD

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCIV) — The human remains found in a suitcase in Colleton County on April 10 have been identified as 32-year-old Victoria Jean Beach of Walterboro.

The suitcase containing Beach's remains was found in an abandoned building at the 200 block of Moore Street, less than a mile from the Colleton County Courthouse.

Read more: Walterboro Police and SLED investigating discovery of human remains

According to the Walterboro Police Department (WPD), Beach was reported missing the same day her remains were found, but is believed to have not been seen for almost a month.

Police say after Beach was reported missing, they interviewed people known to be in her company. The investigation led them to Moore Street, where a foul odor allowed them to discover the suitcase with her remains.

Beach had been dead for two to four weeks when she was discovered, according to the WPD. An autopsy was performed on Beach at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) on April 11. As of April 12, the results are pending.

Walterboro resident Lydia Koth says she learned on April 12 that Beach's remains were discovered near her home.

"It was just on the other side of the end of my street," Koth said. "I live right by the police station, so I'm always hearing sirens and stuff frequently. I've heard gunshots and stuff before, but it's usually a few streets back. It's nothing quite right by my house."

The case is under investigation by the WPD and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Koth hopes law enforcement will have more answers soon.

Read more: Vehicle that fatally struck bicyclist in Colleton County caught on camera: SCHP

"I’ve heard things about the police department before so I'm hoping they'll not drop the ball with this," she said.

As of April 12, police say they do not have a person of interest or a suspect. They could not clarify if this was a targeted or gang related crime, but say they have no information that would cause public concern.