Human fetus found in South Carolina water treatment plant, sheriff says

A fetus was found at a South Carolina water treatment facility, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Dispatch received a call around 11:30 a.m. with a report of a fetus discovered by workers at the plant on Edgehill Road in Sumter County.

Deputies on scene confirmed it was a human fetus. The fetus was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina.

Sumter Sheriff Anthony Davis asked for assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division in the investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Those who have information are asked to call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 803-436-2000 or 911. Anonymous tips can shared by visiting www.p3tips.com or by using the P3 mobile app.

This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 2:57 PM.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.