Authorities Identify 18-Year-Old Antwon Javice Carmichael as Deceased Individual Found on White House Pond Road

Authorities Identify 18-Year-Old Antwon Javice Carmichael as Deceased Individual Found on White House Pond Road

HARLEYVILLE, S.C. — The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office, has officially identified the young man found deceased along White House Pond Road on Sunday, August 3, 2025, as 18-year-old Antwon Javice Carmichael, a resident of Orangeburg County.

The tragic discovery was made early Sunday morning when a passerby contacted 911 after noticing a body near the roadside in a rural section of Harleyville. Deputies responded promptly to the call and secured the scene as investigators launched an immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.

The Coroner’s Office confirmed Carmichael’s identity after conducting a thorough examination. As of now, no official cause of death has been released, pending the results of a full autopsy and toxicology report. However, authorities have stated that the case is being treated as suspicious, and an active investigation is underway.

“We are committed to finding out exactly what happened to this young man,” said Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Maria James. “Antwon Carmichael was only 18 years old. His life had just begun, and now it has ended under tragic and unclear circumstances. We are asking anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small the detail may seem.”

Carmichael was a recent high school graduate and had plans to pursue further education or begin a trade career, according to family members who are now grappling with the shocking loss. Loved ones describe him as soft-spoken, respectful, and full of potential. His unexpected death has left a deep void in both his family and his Orangeburg County community.

“This is a nightmare we can’t wake up from,” said a relative during a vigil held Monday night. “Antwon had dreams. He was trying to do right. We just want answers.”

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties, interviewing potential witnesses, and working to reconstruct a timeline of Antwon’s last known movements. They have not yet released whether he was last seen in Harleyville or if he may have been brought to the area after his death.

Community members in both Dorchester and Orangeburg counties have expressed grief and concern, with many urging a swift and transparent investigation. Several local organizations and faith leaders have also offered support to Carmichael’s family during this difficult time.

“We ask the community to pray for peace, for justice, and for the truth to come to light,” said Rev. Jonathan Harris of Harleyville Baptist Church. “This young man mattered. His life had value.”

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is encouraging anyone with information about the incident or Antwon’s whereabouts prior to Sunday morning to contact the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (843) 832-0300. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 1-888-CRIME-SC or online.

Funeral arrangements for Antwon Javice Carmichael are currently being made, and the family plans to release details for a memorial service in the coming days. Friends, classmates, and community members are expected to attend in large numbers to honor his memory and stand in solidarity with his grieving loved ones.

This marks a heartbreaking chapter for a young life cut short, and the Dorchester County community now waits with heavy hearts for answers, accountability, and justice.