Charleston Community in Shock After Discovery of Human Remains

View of a quiet neighborhood with vacant property in Charleston

News Summary

The Charleston community is in mourning following the discovery of human remains belonging to 67-year-old Everett Lee Stover behind a demolished home. Stover, who had been missing for several months, was a beloved figure known for his kindness and dedication to helping neighbors. Authorities have classified his death as a homicide, prompting an ongoing investigation as residents seek answers and justice for their friend.

Charleston Community in Shock After Discovery of Human Remains

CHARLESTON – The peaceful streets of Charleston have been rattled by a disturbing discovery after the human remains of a 67-year-old local man were found behind a demolished home. Everett Lee Stover, affectionately known as “Lee,” was reported missing for several months before his skeletal remains were uncovered by workers clearing debris from a vacant property at the corner of Lee and Nassau Streets.

On March 4, 2025, Charleston authorities made the grim find in a small yard located between the ruins of a demolished house and an adjacent building. As investigators sift through the details of Stover’s last days, the community is left reeling and searching for answers surrounding this tragic and violent incident.

A Neighborhood Helped by Lee’s Kindness

Stover was a familiar face around the neighborhood, known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand with various construction jobs, despite relying on a cane due to a physical disability. He had been involved in the construction of a nearby apartment complex before his abrupt disappearance.

For the residents who knew him, Lee was more than just a neighbor – he was a friend. His dedication to helping others and pride in maintaining the property where he unofficially lived made him a beloved figure within the community. Stover had been staying at 66½ Lee Street, a property that had remained vacant since 2019, but he reportedly had the owners’ blessing to live there.

Once Missing, Now Under a Cloud of Mystery

Friends of Stover started to worry when they lost contact with him in late 2024. He had been reported missing, triggering an outpouring of concern from those who knew him best. As searches intensified, little did they know that the answers they were seeking lay just beyond the rubble of a house that had seen better days. Authorities believe that Stover’s death occurred sometime after October 1, 2024, but the exact date remains elusive.

Upon discovery, the county coroner classified the cause of death as a homicide, pointing to evidence that suggests Stover suffered a violent physical assault. Forensic anthropologists have been called in to piece together the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise, and the investigation appears to be gaining traction. Charleston police have publicly listed their desire to speak with three individuals of interest: Jerry Alvin Jones Jr., Barbara Crystall Surrett, and Michael James Snell.

A Community Comes Together

The Charleston community has responded to this shocking news with a unified call for justice. Residents, once reassured by a steady decline in crime rates, are now faced with a sobering reminder of the fragility of safety in their neighborhood. Friends and acquaintances of Stover, including a property developer who had been trying to locate him for months, have expressed deep grief and concern over the violent nature of this crime.

Throughout the investigation, Detective Greg Genna from the police department’s violent crimes division has been providing updates, ensuring the community feels involved and informed about the progress of the case. Neighbors continue to express their shock, coming together to remember Stover for the good he brought to their lives and urging anyone with information to step forward.

What Happens Next?

As the investigation unfolds, the Charleston police department remains committed to uncovering the truth behind Stover’s death. They are encouraging anyone with any tips or information to come forward—no matter how small it may seem. The aftermath of such a tragedy has no doubt left its mark on the tight-knit Charleston community, and there is a palpable sense of urgency to find answers for Stover and those who loved him.

The investigation continues, and many hope that justice will soon be served for a man whose life was marked by kindness and hard work. As more details emerge, Charleston stands by its own, striving for peace and clarity in the wake of this heart-wrenching loss.