Shanta Marie Johnson was three when she was reported missing from the Briarcliffe Mall in Myrtle Beach on July 19, 1992. Her foster mother, Susan Marie Johnson, said Shanta disappeared near the toy department of the K-Mart around 3:30 p.m., and the family was in the process of adopting Shanta and her younger brother at the time.

K-Mart surveillance later showed Susan entering the store alone and no sign of Shanta on the tapes, prompting investigators to question whether the girl had been in Myrtle Beach that day. Shanta’s biological mother was incarcerated and unable to help, and relatives who were in town for a family reunion were cleared. Protective services removed Shanta’s younger brother the next day; he was later adopted by another family.

Reports before the disappearance documented prior abuse: a nurse and Duke University Medical Center staff noted bruises, scratches and fearful behavior, and a babysitter described severe burns the child said were caused by her foster mother. In July 1995 Susan Johnson was charged with abusing Shanta; investigators later searched Johnson property and found unspecified evidence linked to Shanta. Authorities state they believe Shanta was the victim of a premeditated homicide and consider her foster mother the prime suspect.

If anyone has memories, photos, or information about Shanta, her movements in July 1992, or the Johnson property, please come forward.