Executive Summary
- David Hutchinson’s remains were found in a trash can in Marion, SC, after he was reported missing.
- Marion Police have identified 12 persons of interest linked to the location where the victim was found.
- Jaida Braddy, 41, has been arrested and charged with accessory after the fact of murder.
- Investigators are working with SLED to track digital evidence while awaiting autopsy results.
MARION, S.C. – Authorities in Marion County are actively investigating up to 12 persons of interest in connection with the homicide of David Hutchinson, a 32-year-old Massachusetts man whose remains were discovered in a trash can last week. Marion Police Chief Tony Flowers confirmed the ongoing inquiry involves a complex web of potential witnesses and suspects linked to a residence on Pearl Street.
According to Chief Flowers, Hutchinson traveled to Marion late last year to meet a woman he had connected with online. Investigators established that the victim and the woman were seen together by police on December 13 at an abandoned home. Officers at the time advised the pair to move to a safer, well-lit area, noting no criminal activity was observed during that initial encounter. Hutchinson was subsequently reported missing on January 12 after failing to return to Massachusetts as scheduled on January 4.
The investigation took a significant turn when an officer discovered human remains inside a trash can secured with a brick in an area known for transient activity. Forensic analysis later identified the remains as those of Hutchinson. Following this discovery, police arrested 41-year-old Jaida Braddy, charging her with accessory after the fact of murder. Chief Flowers stated that the residence associated with the crime scene had high foot traffic, complicating the effort to determine exactly who was present during the homicide.
Law enforcement is currently collaborating with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Fusion Center to analyze digital evidence, specifically attempting to track Hutchinson’s phone, which ceased activity prior to the discovery of his body. Chief Flowers noted that the phone is currently dead and has not been recovered. Meanwhile, Marion County Coroner Jerry Richardson indicated that an autopsy is underway to determine the official cause and manner of death, though results may take up to six weeks.
Investigative Outlook and Legal Context
The high volume of individuals associated with the location where the remains were found presents a significant challenge for detectives working to isolate the primary perpetrators from incidental witnesses. As the investigation relies heavily on pending forensic reports and digital data analysis from SLED to narrow down the 12 persons of interest, authorities are urging the public to come forward with information. Regarding the current legal proceedings, it is important to note that Jaida Braddy and any individuals named as persons of interest are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
