“Blood-Stained Encounter Leads to Tragic Discovery of Man’s Body in Horry County Home”
The quiet stillness of a Friday evening in the Burgess community of Horry County, South Carolina, was shattered by a grim discovery that left residents grappling with shock and sorrow. On May 16, 2025, the Horry County Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence on Dinger Court, a routine call that would unravel a tragic homicide. The man found lifeless in a closet, later identified by Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard as Fredrick Vansant Jr., was a homeowner in the area, a detail confirmed through local land records. His death, marked by evidence of a shooting, has cast a somber shadow over the tight-knit neighborhood.
When officers arrived at the Dinger Court address, they were met with a chilling scene. A 53-year-old woman, Joyanna Vansant, answered the door, her clothing stained with blood. Authorities noted that she no longer resided at the location, raising immediate concerns. Information provided at the scene prompted a protective sweep of the property, leading police to the harrowing discovery of Fredrick Vansant Jr.’s body concealed in a closet. The presence of gunshot evidence pointed to a violent act, and Joyanna Vansant was swiftly taken into custody.
Joyanna Vansant now faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. She was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in the early hours of May 17, 2025, and a Horry County circuit court judge denied her bond during a hearing on May 18, underscoring the severity of the allegations. The relationship between Joyanna and Fredrick Vansant Jr. remains a focal point of the investigation, with indications that the two may have been previously married, though authorities have not officially confirmed this detail.
The Horry County Police Department has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with detectives working diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding the killing. While the community has been assured that there is no broader risk to public safety, the incident has sparked conversations about domestic disputes and their potential to escalate into tragedy. The Burgess area, known for its suburban calm, is unaccustomed to such violence, making the event all the more jarring for residents.
Local authorities have been measured in their public statements, prioritizing the integrity of the investigation. The police department’s social media channels have served as a primary source of updates, with posts detailing the welfare check and subsequent arrest. The coroner’s office, tasked with formally identifying the victim, has worked in tandem with law enforcement to ensure accuracy and transparency. As the case progresses, additional details are expected to emerge, particularly regarding the motive and events leading up to the shooting.
For now, the focus remains on justice for Fredrick Vansant Jr. and support for a community rattled by loss. The Horry County Police Department has encouraged anyone with information to come forward, signaling their commitment to a thorough resolution. In the days ahead, the Burgess community will likely lean on its resilience, mourning a neighbor while seeking answers in the wake of an unthinkable act. The investigation continues, with the promise of further updates as the truth comes to light.
