CAYCE, S.C. — Cayce Department of Public Safety Chief Byron Snellgrove announced Thursday that Faye Swetlik, the 6-year-old girl who'd been missing for days, has been found dead, and officers said the body of an adult male has also been recovered.
His voice trembling, Snellgrove said at a news conference, "it is with extremely heavy hearts we announce we have found the body of Faye Marie Swetlik."
Snellgrove added that the coroner confirmed the child's identity. He did not say where the child's remains were discovered.
Coroner Margaret Fisher later said the child was found in the neighborhood around 11 a.m. An autopsy will be performed on her on Saturday.
Authorities are treating this as a homicide, but no arrests have been made, according to Snellgrove.
He also announced another discovery: a man was found dead in the neighborhood as well. At this time, the investigation into that death is just beginning.
Snellgrove described the whole investigation as "fluid," although he added that there is no danger to the community.
Cayce DPS is still asking for information that can help the investigation. That tip line is (803) 205-4444.
Snellgrove then left the news conference without taking any reporter questions.
Springdale Elementary School, where Faye went to school, sent the following recording home to students and parents after the announcement:
"We know how hard something like this is even for adults to understand," it said. "In general, after something like this children need to know that they are safe and their home is safe. Remember too that children look to the adults in their lives and watch how they handle grief and loss and take their ques from you in difficult situations like this If you do discuss the death, use very simple language and ideas as death is a very concept for young children to grasp, listed below are a few general strategies you may choose to use to talk with your child about death. Give honest brief explanation’s, avoid over answering questions keep responses at the child’s level of understanding. Listen and hug. Use a calm reassuring voice. Avoid forcing the discussion. Remind children that it is natural and acceptable to show emotion when someone we loves dies. If you are worried about how your child is doing please do not hesitate to call our school We are here to support your student through this."
