News Release: A Quarter Century of Questions - RCSD and Family Continue Search for Shelton Sanders

06/17/26

Sheriff Leon Lott and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department are seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining any information regarding the disappearance and homicide of Shelton John Sanders.

Twenty-five years have passed since Shelton Sanders disappeared, but RCSD and his family have never stopped searching for answers.

On June 19, 2001, 25-year-old Shelton Sanders was last seen at 1132 Olympia Ave. in Columbia, SC. He later visited 3 local hotels that evening making arrangements for a friend's bachelor party. He spoke with his family that night and told them he was on his way home, but never arrived. Neither his cell phone nor credit cards were used after that date. The car Sanders was driving the night he went missing was discovered at an apartment complex in Northeast Columbia 2 years later in April 2003.

Despite years of investigative work by the Richland County Sheriff's Department and countless efforts by Shelton's family, his remains have never been found and the case remains unsolved.

As the 25th anniversary approaches, Shelton's family is renewing their plea for information and has increased the reward to $150,000 for information leading to the recovery of Shelton's remains and/or information that brings resolution to this case.

"Twenty-five years is a long time for a family to wait for answers," said Sheriff Leon Lott. "Someone knows what happened to Shelton Sanders. We believe this case is solvable, and we hope the increased reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could be the key to finally bringing Shelton home."

Investigators believe this case is solvable and that there are individuals who have information about Shelton's disappearance who have not yet come forward. Relationships change, loyalties change, and circumstances change over time. What someone was unwilling to share 25 years ago may be the piece of information investigators need today.

For Shelton's family, this case has never been about giving up. It has been about bringing their loved one home and finally receiving the answers they have sought for a quarter century.

Anyone with information regarding Shelton Sanders is urged to contact the Richland County Sheriff's Department Cold Case Unit at (803) 576-3462. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.