In the fall of 2022, the quiet community near Timmonsville, South Carolina, was shaken by the discovery of the body of 23-year-old Trey Lee Montrose on October 8th. The young man, a resident of Florence, was found deceased in the vicinity of Victor White Road, prompting an immediate investigation by law enforcement. An autopsy would later reveal a brutal end to his life; Montrose had suffered from multiple gunshot wounds as well as thermal injuries.
As detectives from both Florence and
Darlington County Sheriff's Offices delved into the case, a horrifying narrative began to emerge. Investigators determined that the actual murder had occurred in Darlington County before Montrose's body was moved to the location where it was found. The investigation uncovered that before his death, Montrose had been held against his will and confined in a dog kennel. This cruel act of kidnapping and torture added a sinister layer to the already tragic homicide.
The investigation led to the identification and arrest of four individuals in connection with the crime. Charles William Book was taken into custody and faced charges of murder, kidnapping, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Following his arrest, three others were also implicated and charged with murder and kidnapping: Brittany Nichole Caraway, Paisley Ann Davis, and Krystyn Domynyck Kelly-Hines. According to law enforcement, all four were allegedly involved in the kidnapping, confinement, and fatal shooting of Trey Lee Montrose.
Trey Lee Montrose was remembered by his family and friends as a person who loved to make people laugh and was often the life of the party. He enjoyed listening to music, fishing, and spending time with his friends. The shocking circumstances of his death left his loved ones seeking justice and closure. The subsequent legal proceedings saw some of the suspects denied bond, while at least one was released on a personal recognizance bond, as the case moved through the judicial system.
