South Carolina woman, 62, charged with stabbing pregnant teen to death days before her due date

A South Carolina woman has been charged with the brutal murder of a pregnant teenager who was about to give birth.

Maylashia Hogg, 17, was found dead in Barnwell County, South Carolina, on February 18, just days after she was reported missing, according to the South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement. As WACH reported, citing officials, Hogg was due to give birth to a baby girl, whom she planned to name Londyn Charity, on February 14.

On Monday, July 1, South Carolina authorities announced that a suspect had been identified after months of investigation. Jacqueline Reid, 62, has been charged with two counts of murder, according to arrest warrants.

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Authorities say Reid stabbed Hogg multiple times with a sharp weapon. Authorities said Hogg was last seen near Reid's residence and a search warrant executed at her home uncovered “forensic evidence of the crime,” according to the warrants.

Police have not revealed what, if any, relationship existed between Reid and Hogg. It is not yet known whether Reid has pleaded guilty or obtained legal representation.

Barnwell Police Chief Michael Butts released a statement on the case Monday night, saying, “I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to assist in this investigation. Please keep Maylashia’s loved ones in your thoughts. We must continue to care for each other, honor Maylashia and Londyn’s memory, and come together to heal.”

The Barnwell County Police Department has called upon the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to assist in the investigation of this case, which will be prosecuted by the 2nd Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact SLED via the MAYLASHIA HOGG Hotline: (803) 896-0281, or by email at [email protected].

Since Hogg's tragic death, his family have expressed their dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the investigation. They were initially left in the dark, without even knowing the cause of death or the official death certificate.

Hogg's cousin, Ja'Nearia Rice, spoke to USA TODAY on Tuesday, revealing that Reid had been in contact with the family in the past week. Rice said her cousin lives across the street from the accused and discussed past confrontations between them.

On the day of the girl’s funeral, the woman came to the grieving family, Rice said. “I just want to know why,” Rice pleaded, baffled. “Why would you do something like this and then come to the family? She came the day Maylashia was found. She came to the yard of Maylashia’s house, sat with the family, watching them cry in pain.”