Conway, South Carolina — The Horry County Coroner’s Office has determined that no foul play is suspected after a woman was found dead in her home two months after being reported missing.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, around 2 a.m., a missing person report was filed with HCPD regarding Marianne Cecilia Marsh, 61, of Conway. The report stated that Marsh was last seen on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, around 9 a.m.
At the time of the missing person report, Marsh was described as 5’0” and 105 lbs. She was said to require daily medication. Due to this, as well as the near-freezing temperatures at the time of her disappearance, she was immediately considered endangered.
HCPD patrol officers and detectives, as well as public safety partners, community groups, and family members completed searches on foot, by helicopter, and via drone to no avail.
Over the course of the more than two-month investigation, Marsh’s home on Birch Lane near Conway, and all other nearby areas, were searched on multiple occasions.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, a family member of Marsh called Horry County 911 dispatch after noticing a foul odor in Marsh’s home. Another search was conducted and Marsh’s remains were found.
Upon investigation, HCPD has determined that, prior to her death, Marsh had hidden herself in a very remote and obscure area within the attic of the home. This area was not visible to others, and required Marsh’s small physical stature and intimate knowledge of the home’s architecture to successfully enter.
“An autopsy will be conducted but information related to cause and manner of death will take 12 weeks to return. Nothing will be released until we receive those results,” Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Williard said.
No foul play is suspected, and criminal charges are not anticipated.
