ANDERSON, S.C. — A 32-year-old man has been charged with murder and the destruction of evidence linked to the disappearance of his mother, whose remains were discovered at their family home more than a year after she was reported missing. The case began when an employer’s concern prompted a welfare check, ultimately evolving into a protracted homicide investigation that unearthed profound questions.
Authorities allege Justin Queen is responsible for the death of Christy Dunn, 52, who went missing in late June 2025. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office initiated a missing-person investigation after her employer noted that she had not been seen for about a week. Deputies searched Dunn’s residence but found no sign of her, despite her vehicle and other personal belongings still being at the property.
Following the initial inquiry, suspicions began to grow around Queen, who lived with Dunn and his son at the home. Investigators noted unusual activity involving Dunn’s vehicle and debit card, which continued to be used even after her disappearance. These findings raised flags for detectives, prompting them to delve deeper into her financial history, electronic records, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies.
In July 2025, the investigation transitioned into a forensic phase as detectives, forensic experts, and the Anderson County Coroner’s Office conducted a thorough search of Dunn’s property, where they discovered what appeared to be human remains in a burn pit. Additional remains were later found under a separate search warrant. While investigators believe these remains belong to Dunn, they have yet to confirm this through DNA testing, which is still ongoing.
The inquiry into Dunn’s disappearance continued for over a year as detectives gathered evidence and pieced together a timeline. Witness interviews suggested Queen may have last been seen with his mother in the woods, though the specifics of those encounters have not been publicly disclosed. The nature of Dunn’s death remains unclear, with authorities revealing that an assault occurred in the home prior to the disposal of her body.
As evidence mounted, the 10th Circuit Solicitor’s Office reviewed the case and deemed there was enough probable cause to charge Queen in connection with his mother’s death. This charge does not imply guilt, as Queen remains entitled to a presumption of innocence. He was already incarcerated on unrelated child-neglect charges when the murder warrants were issued in August 2026.
Following his transfer to the Anderson County Detention Center, Queen was denied bond on the murder charge and granted a surety bond on the destruction-of-human-remains charge. The ongoing investigation continues to explore all aspects of this complex case, leaving the public with unanswered questions about Dunn’s fate and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Details critical to the trial, including the motive for the alleged crime and the evidence that links Queen to Dunn’s death, have not been revealed. As the legal proceedings unfold, the prosecution must establish its case through evidence that satisfies the court’s criteria beyond a reasonable doubt. Queen, accused but not convicted, faces a significant legal battle ahead as the investigation remains active, and further forensic results could play a pivotal role in the trial process.
The tragic case underscores the complexities of family dynamics and highlights the work of law enforcement in unraveling potentially deadly situations within domestic spheres. As of mid-October 2026, no new developments have been reported, and the case remains a focal point of interest and concern within the community.