CHESNEE, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina have arrested a 21-year-old man linked to the murder of a man who disappeared more than two years ago. Human remains discovered last month led to the charge against John Lucas Dale Rice in connection with the death of Kevin Brookshire, 45.
Brookshire was last seen on December 15, 2021, when he left his home in Chesnee. His family grew increasingly concerned as there were no updates on his whereabouts, especially since he had intended to travel to Tennessee but never arrived at his destination. He was reported to have been driving a red 2001 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck with an expired Tennessee license plate.
For months, the investigation yielded few tangible leads. The only notable development came about five months after Brookshire’s disappearance when authorities identified his truck involved in an accident. However, it was established that Brookshire was not behind the wheel at that time.
The case took a critical turn in August when detectives in Spartanburg County received a harrowing tip. An individual reported that Rice had revealed to them the location of a decomposing body concealed in a trash can at a home in Chesnee. Investigators from Spartanburg County joined forces with Cherokee County deputies to examine the property closely.
As interviews with witnesses progressed, authorities gathered information indicating that parts of Brookshire’s remains had been distributed across several locations. Investigators ultimately located human remains at the Chesnee residence, which were identified as Brookshire’s through medical records and x-ray analysis.
During police questioning, Rice allegedly confessed to the murder of Brookshire. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the death or any potential motive for the crime.
Rice was taken into custody on Friday and is currently being held without bond at the Cherokee County Detention Center. The resolution of this long-standing case has brought a sense of closure for Brookshire’s family and local law enforcement, who have expressed their relief at finally making progress. The investigation remains active, and officials have stated that additional details will not be released at this time.