Suspects accused in trans South Carolina teenager’s killing face new charges

Two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of 18-year-old trans man Jacob Williamson have had new charges filed against them.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina confirmed on Friday (4 August) it had filed new charges against Joshua Newton, 25, and Victoria Smith, 22.

The couple had been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of 18-year-old Jacob Williamson, from South Carolina, who went missing on 30 June. His body was found by a roadside in South Carolina, close to the North Carolina border, on 4 July.

Newton, from Monroe in North Carolina, was originally charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, while his girlfriend Smith was originally charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.

Both have now been charged with felony conspiracy and Smith has also now been charged with first-degree murder.