Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit have made an arrest in connection with the death of 4-year-old Joanna Lockaby who was reported missing Tuesday afternoon.
Deputies initially responded to 112 Chevy Chase Blvd., Pelzer at around 2:20 P.M. after receiving a call that Joanna was missing.
Deputies arrived on the scene within approximately 10 minutes of receiving the call. After deputies talked to the family and got a description of the child, they started a search.
Investigators found the girl’s body in a wooded area behind a home at around 2:45 P.M. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.
GCSO investigators arrested her half brother, 17-year-old William Micah Hester, in connection with the death. According to the GCSO, investigators believe Hester suffocated the victim, contributing to her death. Deputies located the victim’s body in a plastic bin behind the home the victim lived in along with Hester.
Following his arrest, Hester was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center, where he is awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for this afternoon at 2:30 P.M.
This case, including the motive for the killing, is still under investigation by the GCSO and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
