Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announces that one person has been charged with kidnapping and another is outstanding in connection to the missing teen – Sanaa Amenhotep.
Jaylon Shyir Wilson – DOB: 07/28/2003 – is charged with kidnapping in connection with the missing person case of 15-year-old Sanaa.
On Monday, April 5, 2021, it was reported that Sanaa was last seen leaving her home in Northeast Columbia that night with an acquaintance. On April 7, 2021, RCSD was notified that Sanaa had not had any contact with family; this was concerning because on previous occasions she always returned within a couple of days. The Sheriff’s department released her information to get the community’s help in finding her. Richland County investigators, fearing the worst, began to track down all the leads that came in. The investigation revealed that Sanaa had left with another teen girl and two other individuals later identified as Wilson who is charged with kidnapping and Treveon Jamar Nelson – DOB: 1/19/2003 – who is wanted for kidnapping.
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021 the investigations lead our investigators to Lexington County. Both the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department began to search for Sanaa and last night, April 28, her body was found off of Rish Dr. in Lexington County.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department will take lead to find out who is responsible for her murder.
“It is with great sadness that another young person has tragically lost their life” said Sheriff Lott. “Hug your kids and continue to lift the family in prayer”.