Suspects accused in transgender teen's killing in Union County now facing new charges

The Union County Sheriff's Office has announced more charges have been filed against the two suspects accused of killing a transgender teen from South Carolina in Monroe.

Deputies said Friday they have added on charges for 25-year-old Joshua Newton and 22-year-old Victoria Smith. Newton, previously charged with 1st-degree murder and obstruction of justice, is now charged with felony conspiracy. Smith, who was charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact, is now charged with 1st-degree murder and felony conspiracy.

18-year-old Jacob Williamson, who was found dead earlier in July, was found after his family and friends in the Greenwood, South Carolina area called the police to report him missing earlier in the month.

Editor's Note: In coverage originally published on July 7, WCNC Charlotte identified Williamson using his deadname, which refers to the name transgender people have used before their transition. At the time of reporting, this was the legal name provided to WCNC Charlotte by family and law enforcement. On July 25, the written words in this article were updated to reflect Williamson's chosen name. The attached video was originally published on July 7 based on the original reporting.

Read more about this at wcnc.com.