Charleston Police asks for community help in solving homicide case

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston Police Department is searching for leads on a homicide case after discovering skeletal remains in March.

The remains of Everett Lee Stover, a 67-year-old, were found in the backyard of a vacant home on Lee Street. Police said a homeowner had found them when coming back to check on the property. Detectives believe he had been staying nearby. Stover’s family and friends had been looking for him for a couple months before his death, and told police he had struggled with addiction.

Police are looking for more information surrounding Stover’s death and identified three known associates that they hope can provide more details.

• Michael James Snell, 49, California
• Jerry Jones Jr., 43, North Carolina
• Barbara Surrett, 37, North Carolina

“It’s extremely important, they are the last ones we know that have been in contact with him. So, trying to find them, trying to talk to them and see who he associated with, what his living conditions were, where he traveled to – is all going to help the investigation in determining what happened to Mr. Stover,” Greg Genna, detective of the city’s violent crime unit, said.

Officials said Stover was likely killed sometime after Oct. 1, 2024 and was “a victim of violent physical assault.”

Nearby residents added that it is unsettling this happened on a street they typically go by.

“Well, I kind of pass that building all the time. It is shocking to know that something like that was going on in somewhere I frequent so often but based on surrounding behavior and what I’ve heard living here,” Alejandro Ceron, a College of Charleston student, said. “I can’t say I’m completely shocked, but still that is pretty jarring to hear.” 

Detectives are seeking any leads from the community, as they will be vital in putting the pieces together of this violent crime.

“We are still trying to determine the manner of death he died, that is still under investigation by the coroner’s office. We still need to speak with the community, they’re the ones that are going to help us solve this crime,” said Genna.

Anyone with a tip is encouraged to call the tip line at (843)-720-2422 and request an on-duty Central Detective, or email CPD at https://charlestonpd.fususvault.com/tips.