Remains Found in Burke County Pond During Search for Missing Man

The Burke County Sheriff's Office says what's believed to be human remains were found after a large pond was drained off Highway 56.  Authorities have searched multiple ponds for the remains of Simon Powell, who has been missing for six years.

Powell's truck was found the day after he was reported missing in June, 2016, but no sign of him.

The case was brought to the forefront again recently and the sheriff's office offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.  That's when investigators say they got a break in the case.  Information led them to Stacey Welch, who was eventually arrested for Powell's murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.  Mitchell Lanell Lambert has since been arrested and is being held on the same charges.  Crystal Gail Mundy Simmons, who was in custody in Alabama on unrelated charges, was wanted for questioning in the case.  Randall Eugene Johnson was also wanted for questioning.  He was recently found in North Augusta.

In a news release today the Burke County Sheriff's Office said, "Today, weeks after draining the pond on Highway 56 and extensively searching utilizing cadaver dogs, shovels, rakes, etc we have ended the search for evidence at this location."

The remains are being sent to the GBI Crime Lab for analysis and possible identification.