Berkeley County Sheriff's Office & FBI Leverage Othram's Forensic Sequencing Platform to Identify a 2023 Assault Suspect

Summary

In November and December 2023, two separate attacks were reported on the Cane Bay walking trail in Summerville, SC. Summerville is situated in three different South Carolina counties. The attacks took place in Berkeley County. The first incident occurred on November 27, 2023 when a 14-year-old girl was attacked from behind and assaulted on the trail near Shadybrook Drive and Cane Bay Boulevard. Six days later on December 3, a second incident was reported on the trail behind Bella Vista Court. A 15-year-old girl was assaulted. In both crimes, a suspect could not be identified.

In February 2024, evidence was submitted from one of the cases to Othram so that advanced DNA testing could be used to determine the identity of the suspect. Othram’s scientists used Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified suspect. This profile was delivered to the FBI’s forensic genetic genealogy team so that a genetic genealogical search could be performed in hopes that new leads could be developed in the case, and a suspect could be identified.

Using these leads, a follow-up investigation was launched and potential relatives of the suspect were identified. This investigation led to the identification of 24-year-old Antjuan Xavier Reed. Reed has been charged with Assault and Battery first degree, Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor second degree, Kidnapping, and Assault and Battery third degree. Reed is being held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center without bond.

The identification and arrest of Antjuan Reed represents the fifth case solved in the State of South Carolina using technology developed by Othram. To learn about other cases in South Carolina, visit DNASolves.