Remains Identified as Shelton Bennett, Missing Since 2023
August 23 of this year would have marked two years since the disappearance of 28-year-old Shelton Bennett, according to Find Shelton Bennett Facebook page, but last Friday brought the tragic discovery of his skeletal remains on a vacant farm in the Adamsville area of Marlboro County, South Carolina.
On Thursday, August 7, the Marlboro County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains belonged to Bennett, who is originally from Laurinburg, North Carolina.
Bennett was last seen August 24, 2023, according to a missing person’s flyer released by Scotland County Sheriff’s Office at the time.
His mother, Jennifer Bennett, previously told The North Carolina Beat that a friend of her son’s—who borrowed Shelton’s car—called her the next day, saying he hadn’t been able to reach Shelton. She stated the last time she spoke with her son was the morning the he went missing.
The friend allegedly told Jennifer he went to Shelton’s home but encountered Shelton’s child’s mother, Julissa Matias, who was “acting strange.” When Jennifer arrived at the home herself, Julissa claimed Shelton hadn’t returned the night before and she hadn’t seen him.
Jennifer questioned why Julissa never reached out to her, especially since Julissa usually called or texted frantically whenever she couldn’t get in contact with Shelton.
Disturbing Discovery on Butler Road
While heading to file a missing person’s report on August 25, 2023, Jennifer received a call informing her that Shelton’s vehicle had been found abandoned on Butler Road, just down the street from her home. When she arrived, Shelton was nowhere to be found.
Jennifer told The North Carolina Beat that she immediately called 911 and noticed bloody handprints and a bloody thumbprint on the passenger door of the car. She also stated she found a gun near the scene.
Murder Arrest Made in Shelton Bennett Case
33-year-old Fredrick Dashawn Moore, of Laurinburg, has been charged with the murder of Shelton Bennett. He was arrested on Thursday, August 7, 2025, and booked into the Scotland County Detention Center.
Moore was denied bond and remains in jail. At this time, authorities have not released how Shelton Bennett was killed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
On August 23, 2025, an event will be held at the Laurel Hill Community Center on Church Street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to honor Shelton. Click here for more details.
