Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | July 19, 1992 — Shanta Marie Johnson, a sweet, innocent 3-year-old girl, vanished on a seemingly ordinary shopping trip that would mark the beginning of a tragic, unresolved mystery. Now, more than three decades later, her disappearance remains one of South Carolina’s most heart-wrenching cold cases.
What Happened:
On the afternoon of July 19, 1992, Shanta’s foster mother, Susan Johnson, took her to the K-Mart in Briarcliffe Mall in Myrtle Beach. According to Susan, around 3:30 p.m., she claimed that Shanta simply vanished while they were inside the store. However, surveillance footage from the mall contradicted Susan’s account—revealing that Susan entered the store alone. There was no sign of Shanta, raising immediate questions about the foster mother’s version of events.
Who Was Shanta Marie Johnson?
Shanta Marie Johnson was just 3 years old when she disappeared, a bright and beautiful child whose life had been marked by early trauma. Born with cocaine in her system, Shanta was removed from her biological mother’s care and placed into foster care with Susan and Willie Johnson in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The foster system, which was supposed to offer her safety and security, ultimately failed her in the most tragic way.
Before her disappearance, there were multiple reports of troubling behavior and potential signs of abuse. A nurse noted that Shanta showed visible signs of fear, and a babysitter reported that Shanta had confided in her about being burned by Susan with hot grease on her buttocks. These signs were dismissed by Susan Johnson, who continued to foster the child in a home that seemed far from loving and safe.
The Investigation and Aftermath:
Three years after Shanta’s disappearance, the investigation took a dark turn. In 1995, Susan Johnson was charged with child abuse, but it was the discovery of cadaver dogs detecting human remains at the Johnsons’ property in Pender County that sparked even greater concern. Despite this evidence, no body was found, and the case went cold. Shanta’s disappearance was deemed a mystery, with many believing that she had met a tragic fate within the confines of a house that was meant to protect her.
Her younger brother was removed from the Johnsons’ care and eventually adopted into a safe environment, but Shanta, the girl who wanted nothing more than love and safety, remains missing to this day.
A Plea for Answers:
Shanta was just 3 feet tall and weighed 44 pounds when she disappeared. She had a life full of promise ahead of her—one that was cruelly stolen away, leaving a family, a community, and the world searching for answers. Over the years, Shanta’s story has faded from the headlines, but her name is still spoken with love and loss.
More than 30 years later, Shanta’s case remains unsolved. The questions surrounding her disappearance remain unanswered, and her family is still desperately seeking closure.
What Happens Next:
Shanta Marie Johnson’s story is far from over. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, hoping that fresh eyes and new leads will finally bring justice for this little girl who never got the chance to grow up.
If you have any information about what happened to Shanta Marie Johnson, please contact the Horry County Police Department at (843) 248-1520.
Shanta deserved love, safety, and the chance to grow up. It’s time to give her the justice she deserves.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post A TRIP TO THE MALL—AND A 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO NEVER CAME BACK: The Disappearance of Shanta Marie Johnson first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
