The sister of a missing man found alive in a South Carolina basement after years of searching described the moment as devastating.
“He really didn’t say anything because I think he was still in trauma and shock,” Terisa Hinson told WSOC-TV. “I walked out the room and started crying because it was just so heartbreaking.”
Accused Caregiver Faces Multiple Charges
Donnie Ray Birchfield Jr. is accused of imprisoning several people in his basement and exploiting them financially. He faces 16 charges, including false imprisonment and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Birchfield’s attorney, M. Ryan Payne, said his client maintains his innocence.
Victims Trapped, One Found Dead
Hinson said her brother was discovered in the basement alongside his wife, who was found dead. “I wanna know why. Why them?” she asked. Police warrants state Birchfield, the sole caregiver for the couple, denied them food, medical care, and communication while preventing them from leaving.
Financial Exploitation Alleged
Investigators say Birchfield used the victims’ debit cards and bank accounts to make personal purchases and pay his own credit card bills since September 2022.
Brother’s Condition
Hinson said her brother appeared “feeble,” weighing about 70 pounds when hospitalized. He has a developmental disability and lived independently before disappearing several years ago.
Ongoing Investigation
Birchfield is held on a $150,000 bond. Lancaster Police told Newsweek the investigation continues and additional charges may follow.
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