A 20-year-old was shot twice, then set on fire, in act of homicide. Has anyone been arrested? (2024)

Someone shot 20-year-old Omarion Brown to death, then set his Honda Civic on fire, burning his corpse beyond recognition in an act of homicide, the coroner's office confirmed.

The confirmation came early on April 21, shedding light on a case that's remained a mystery since Brown's body was found on Koester Road in Ladson on April 13. An autopsy revealed two bullets in Brown's chest and no smoke damage in his lungs, indicating that Brown was dead before being set ablaze. Authorities believe the flames "likely started in the passenger compartment," where Brown's body was located.

One teen, 19-year-old Brandon Eric Steplight, is facing charges related to the crime. He was arrested April 19 and charged with arson and desecrating human remains, according to arrest warrant affidavits.

Video evidence showed Steplight buying $5 worth of gasoline, which he pumped into a gas can, less than an hour before court documents say a 911 call alerted authorities to the fire, according to the affidavit.

A Chevrolet Trailblazer, which Steplight told deputies that only he drives, was seen leaving Koester Road just nine minutes before the emergency call.

Steplight denied his involvement in the April 17 interview with the sheriff's office. The detective noted in the affidavit that Steplight appeared "to be wearing the same pants at the time of the murder and interview."

From his pocket, deputies recovered a 9mm round, according to the affidavit. The document didn't say whether the live ammunition matched the bullets found in Brown's autopsy.

Steplight is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center with bonds totaling $85,000.

He was not charged with homicide as of April 21.

No others were booked into the Charleston County Detention Center for homicide charges this weekend.