Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — July 19, 1992. What began as a simple shopping trip turned into one of South Carolina’s most heart-wrenching mysteries. Three-year-old Shanta Marie Johnson vanished without a trace while in the care of her foster mother. More than three decades later, her disappearance remains unsolved, haunting both investigators and the community that has never forgotten her name.
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The Day Shanta Disappeared
On the afternoon of July 19, 1992, Shanta’s foster mother, Suzanne Johnson, claimed she took the toddler to the K-Mart at Briarcliff Mall in Myrtle Beach. According to Suzanne, Shanta went missing around 3:30 p.m. while they were shopping inside the store. However, surveillance footage told a different story—Suzanne entered the store alone. There was no sign of Shanta with her, immediately casting doubt on her account and sparking suspicion of foul play. What was meant to be a normal day of errands became the beginning of a decades-long mystery.
Who Was Shanta Marie Johnson?
Shanta was a bright and loving 3-year-old, born into challenging circumstances. She entered the world with cocaine in her system and was removed from her biological mother’s care shortly after birth. Authorities placed her with Susan and Willie Johnson, a foster couple in Fayetteville, North Carolina, hoping to give her the safe, nurturing home she deserved. Sadly, Shanta’s new environment was far from safe. Reports surfaced of abuse and neglect. A nurse observed that Shanta often appeared terrified, while a midwife claimed the child once said that Susan burned her with hot cooking oil. Despite these alarming signs, no effective intervention took place—and tragedy soon followed.
The Investigation and Troubling Discoveries
When Shanta went missing, suspicion quickly turned toward her foster mother. In 1995, three years after the disappearance, Susan Johnson faced child abuse allegations. Investigators brought cadaver dogs to the Johnson property in Pender County, where the dogs detected traces suggesting human remains. Yet, no body was ever found. Without concrete evidence, charges related to Shanta’s disappearance could not proceed. The case went cold, leaving behind only questions—and heartbreak. Meanwhile, Shanta’s younger brother was removed from the Johnsons’ custody and adopted into a safe and loving home, a stark reminder of what Shanta herself never got the chance to experience.
A Little Girl Still Missing, a Family Still Searching
At the time of her disappearance, Shanta Marie Johnson was 3 feet tall, weighed 44 pounds, and had a heart full of innocence. She had her whole life ahead of her—one that was stolen far too soon. Though more than 30 years have passed, her name still lingers in the hearts of those who seek justice. The unanswered questions remain: What really happened to Shanta that day? Where is she now? Her case stands as a reminder of how vital it is to protect vulnerable children and to never stop fighting for the truth.
Ongoing Search for Justice
Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could shed light on this tragic mystery. If you know anything about what happened to Shanta Marie Johnson, please contact the Horry County Police Department at (843) 248-1520. Even the smallest detail could finally bring closure and justice for the little girl who never came home.
Conclusion: Justice Long Overdue
More than three decades have passed since that fateful day in 1992, yet Shanta’s story remains unfinished. She deserved love, safety, and the chance to grow up. It’s time her story is heard again—and that justice finds its way to her memory. May this renewed attention help uncover the truth and bring peace to those who have never stopped searching.