Body of dismembered teen found at SC home; couple charged

The Lancaster County sheriff said 18-year-old Austin Steele’s torso was buried, his skull was found nearby, some of his remains were burned inside a barrel and bones were scattered around the property.

“[We] located a human torso absent the limbs buried on the property. A human head was found behind the building, underneath several bags. Remains were found in a burn barrel and bones were found strewn across the property,” Sheriff Barry Faile said. “Investigators found a revolver, an axe, knives and other cutting instruments.”

Authorities said 30-year-old Christopher Holford is charged with murder and his wife, 19-year-old Brandy Duncan, is accused of helping Holford bury Steele’s body parts.

Faile said Steele was never reported missing, but authorities received a tip that led them to the teen’s body.

Investigators said the motive for the murder remains unclear.