News Summary
Authorities in Greenville County, South Carolina, renewed their search for missing woman Brooke Leigh Henson, who disappeared in 1999. The recent investigation focused on a property in River Falls, utilizing digging equipment and cadaver dogs. Although an excavator found potential evidence, it was later confirmed as a pet grave. The task force formed in 2025 continues to pursue leads while seeking community assistance in this cold case.
Greenville County Police Conduct Search for Missing Woman Last Seen in 1999
Greenville County, South Carolina, authorities conducted a search on Friday related to the long-standing case of missing woman Brooke Leigh Henson, who was last seen 24 years ago on July 4, 1999. The investigation into her disappearance has recently gained renewed momentum, involving a dedicated task force aimed at uncovering new leads and evidence.
Details of the Search
The search on Friday focused on a property in the River Falls area of Greenville County. Law enforcement employed digging equipment, cadaver dogs, and drones in an effort to locate Henson. The operation resulted in the temporary handcuffing of the property owner on unrelated charges. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release more information regarding this arrest in the near future.
By mid-afternoon, the police chief confirmed that an excavator had made a discovery at the dig site, which prompted a call for forensic investigation. However, as the day progressed, it was revealed that the remains discovered were identified as a pet grave, and authorities concluded that there were no new findings related to Henson’s disappearance.
Background on Brooke Henson
Brooke Leigh Henson was only 20 years old when she was reported missing after being last seen at a party at her home on Henderson Drive in Travelers Rest. Family members reported seeing her sitting on the porch just before she left. Prior to her disappearance, Henson was believed to have had a disagreement with her boyfriend, Rickey Shaun Shirley, who is considered one of the last individuals known to have seen her.
In 2019, Rickey Shirley was found dead at his mother’s house, further complicating the investigation. The case went cold until late April 2025, when a task force comprising the Travelers Rest Police Department, the Mauldin Police Department, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office was formed with a renewed commitment to locating Henson. This multi-agency effort has led to numerous interviews and potential new leads since its inception.
Community Involvement
The authorities continue to seek help from the community in solving this cold case. A reward is currently being offered for information that leads to discovering Brooke Henson or any evidence that may assist in the case. The public can provide anonymous tips to the Greenville County Crime Stoppers at 864-23-CRIME.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, Henson’s case remains the only cold case in Travelers Rest, and it holds significant importance for both her family and the local community. The task force remains committed to aggressively pursuing any new leads that might emerge from ongoing investigations, as well as utilizing advanced search techniques in previously inaccessible locations.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement and the critical role it can play in resolving cases like Henson’s. As the investigation unfolds, updates and further details will be communicated to keep the public informed.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville Missing Woman 1999 – Brooke Henson
- Google Search: Brooke Henson missing
- Fox Carolina: New Leads Discovered in 1999 Cold Case
- Wikipedia: Cold case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
