07/09/2026
July 9, 2026
Press Release (Update)🚨🚨🚨
Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office: Death Investigation
Subject: Kenneth McClary, of Lane, South Carolina, was arrested and charged by the Williamsburg County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) with Murder (16-03-010), Burglary 1st Degree (16-11-311), Burglary 2nd Degree (16-11-312), Kidnapping (16-3-910), Arson 2nd Degree (16-11-110(B)), Arson 3rd Degree (16-11-110(C)), and Destruction of Human Remains (16-17-600(A)).
Narrative: On June 26, 2026, Williamsburg County Fire Rescue (WCFR) personnel responded to 23 Law Avenue, Lane, South Carolina (Williamsburg County) in reference to a structure fire. The structure at the address is a duplex apartment, and it was fully engulfed in flames at the time of the arrival of WCFR. WCFR extinguished the fire, and discovered a deceased victim inside of the duplex. The South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) Arson Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.
Further investigation into the incident revealed that the victim had injuries that were inconsistent with injuries sustained from a fire. Video surveillance was recovered from a nearby building which captured footage of the incident. The video showed McClary sitting on the porch of the duplex with the victim. After the victim went inside, McClary walked behind the duplex, and was later captured walking away from the rear of the duplex, with smoke coming from the rear of the duplex. The smoke at the rear of the duplex stopped. McClary later returned, and forced entry into the victim’s apartment through the front door. McClary later exited the victim’s apartment wearing different outer clothing. McClary is later seen on video returning to the incident location, and exiting prior to a large glow consistent with a fire coming from the duplex. A short time later, the duplex became fully engulfed in flames.
WCSO records showed that McClary was the suspect in a burglary and arson complaint for an incident that occurred on June 16, 2026. Note: McClary was later charged with Burglary 2nd Degree and Arson 3rd Degree in reference to this incident. McClary was located at a camper where he resides, and he was transported to the WCSO to be interviewed. A search warrant was executed on the camper after McClary’s interview. Several items of interest were discovered in the camper, along with shoes and clothing that were partially burnt in a nearby burn barrel. McClary also had recent visible injuries, for which he received medical treatment.
Preliminary findings from the fire investigation revealed that the fire was started by a person. It was also found that the victim’s feet were bound with an electronic device cord. Based on the evidence obtained, McClary was charged with murder, and he was booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center (WCDC). On July 6, 2026, McClary was served with additional warrants for the criminal offenses of Burglary 1st Degree, Burglary 2nd Degree, Kidnapping, Arson 2nd Degree, Arson 3rd Degree, and Destruction of Human remains.
The investigation into this matter is ongoing. If you have any additional information on this matter, please contact the WCSO. Information can be reported anonymously through WCCD non-emergency line at (843) 354-0606. Additionally, information can be provided to Crime Stoppers of the P*e Dee at (843) 713-8477.