Spartanburg Cold Case Investigation Reignites with New Witness Testimony

Spartanburg Cold Case Sees New Hope

Things might seem quiet in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, but old mysteries never really sleep. More than three decades after he disappeared, the investigation into the whereabouts of Brian Keith Awalt is still underway. Awalt, also known as “Sunshine,” vanished on July 12, 1991, when he was last seen getting into a car with an unidentified man on Fernwood Glendale Road. At that time, he was just 29. Today, he’d be a 62-year-old man.

Awalt was living with a woman and her son when he disappeared and, interestingly, the son was the last person to see him. The son, now an adult, moved out of state for several years but has recently returned to Spartanburg. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has breathed new life into the investigation.

The Return of a Key Witness

Upon his return to Spartanburg, the son, along with his mother, were interviewed by an investigator who specializes in cold cases at the sheriff’s office. They were able to share details about Awalt’s life before he disappeared. Among other things, they mentioned that he was employed by Associated Contractors and was a known patron of bars in the Clifton, Glendale, and Hillcrest areas.

However, the most significant bit of information came when the son was able to provide a description of the unknown man seen with Awalt on the day he disappeared. He even agreed to sit down with a forensic artist to provide a sketch. On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office made the sketch public, along with an estimated rendition of how the same person might look today, decades after the initial encounter.

Public Call to Action

Now, the call for help extends to the public. Anyone with information, either about the person in the sketch or about Awalt’s whereabouts, is actively encouraged to come forward. To engage with the case, persons with potential leads can contact Sgt. Tony Brown via phone or use the dedicated email: unsolved@spartanburgcounty.org.

The support of the people of Spartanburg and those who moved away, but still carry the county in their hearts, is needed in this quest for truth. Bringing new perspectives, knowledge, or even just spreading the word could make a world of difference in solving this cold case. This cause reaches beyond individual interests—it is about community, justice, and long overdue closure.

Time to Prep Your Garden for Fall and Get Your Halloween Decorations

In the vein of important updates, with the changing weather comes the need to transition your garden from summer to fall. Giving your garden some TLC now can ensure it thrives throughout the autumn season.

On a lighter note, the Halloween season is upon us! Want to snag the best decorations before they’re all sold out? Acting now is your best bet, particularly for those seeking the iconic 12-foot skeleton.

Finally, a handy tip for decluttering dorm life: Purchasing a compact-sized sofa or loveseat could free up some precious square footage, adding a touch of comfortable chic without the sprawl.

And that’s a wrap on today’s collection of life and mystery in the lovely Spartanburg County. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and here’s to better days ahead!