A pregnant 17-year-old from Barnwell, South Carolina, was discovered dead in a ditch within half a mile of her residence.
Maylashia Hogg, a Barnwell High School student, was nine months pregnant and looking forward to welcoming her child. However, she tragically failed to show up for her scheduled birth induction on February 13, 2024, sparking worry among her relatives.
On February 8, Hogg’s aunt first reported her missing. After an initial lack of response from the police, the family turned to Kimberly Kite from the Broken Link Foundation, an organization focused on locating missing persons. Hogg’s body was found by the police in Barnwell County at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 18.
Hogg had expressed joy about becoming a mother and had chosen the name London Charity for her unborn daughter, in memory of her late mother who had died a year and a half prior.
Hogg is remembered by her family and community as a lively teenager with aspirations of going back to school for a nursing career following her daughter’s birth.
The sudden loss of Hogg has deeply impacted her family. Her cousin, Robert Payne, expressed the family’s grief and desire for justice, stating, “She was only a child. A child with a child. Whoever did it needs to be in jail.”
A memorial service for Hogg and her unborn daughter was held on Monday, February 19, at the site where her body was discovered. Loved ones and community members gathered to mourn their loss.
An autopsy is underway this week to determine the cause of death, with the aim of shedding light on the tragic incident.
No suspects have been named in connection with Hogg’s death at this time. The investigation remains active, and no further details have been released by the authorities.
The Broken Link Foundation, along with local law enforcement, is urging anyone with information regarding Hogg’s disappearance and death to step forward as they continue their quest for answers and justice.