Human remains found buried in a shallow grave in Waterloo have been identified as those of an 87-year-old Newberry County man who had been missing since earlier this month, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office.
The coroner identified him as Edwin Geer.
Where he was found
Laurens County deputies responded Tuesday, Oct. 27, to a scene along Broadway Lane in Waterloo. Officials said human remains were found in a shallow grave.
The remains were exhumed and taken to a hospital in Greenville, where they were identified as Geer during an autopsy on Wednesday. His cause of death has not been released.
According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Geer’s vehicle was found close to where his body was discovered. He lived about 15 miles away.
Newberry County takes over case
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office said the Newberry County Coroner’s Office has taken over the case because the investigation indicates the incident began at Geer’s home.
SLED and the Laurens and Newberry County sheriff’s offices are involved in the investigation. No arrests have been announced, and officials have not said whether they have a suspect.
Remembered as a kind neighbor
Geer, known to friends as “Ed,” lived alone along Lake Greenwood in a community of retirees. Neighbors described him as a kind and generous man who loved to talk and share stories about growing up.
A carpenter, Geer built his own home. Neighbors said he made small wooden lighthouses and birdhouses for people in the community, and on Saturdays he sold his handmade wooden pieces outside a local corner store.
“Ed was a good man,” one neighbor said.
We’ll update this story as more information is released.
Source: Laurens County Coroner’s Office; Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by FOX Carolina