Victim Identified in Indian Land Homicide

INDIAN LAND, S.C. – Authorities have identified the victim in a homicide investigation launched earlier this week after a body was discovered behind a business in Indian Land.

The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Gary Herendeen, 74, of Charlotte. Herendeen was an employee of The Designers Marketplace, located at 9481 Yarborough Road.

The Discovery

The investigation began just before noon on Monday, January 5, 2026. Deputies from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene after an individual, who had driven to the rear of the property to visit the business, discovered the body.

Upon arrival, deputies located Herendeen deceased near a white Chevrolet van in the rear parking lot. Lancaster County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and confirmed the fatality.

Investigators noted that The Designers Marketplace, along with other establishments in the complex, had been closed over the weekend. Authorities are working to determine exactly how long the victim had been at the location before being discovered.

Homicide Investigation Underway in Indian Land after 74-Year-Old Found Deceased

Ongoing Investigation

Preliminary reports indicate the victim suffered apparent gunshot wounds. The Violent Crime Task Force and the Crime Scene and Evidence Division have been processing the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses.

Sheriff Barry Faile addressed the community regarding the incident, emphasizing that while no arrests have been made, investigators do not believe there is an active threat to the public.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this victim,” Sheriff Faile said. “There are many unanswered questions about this homicide on the front end of the investigation, but much information has already been gathered which we believe will lead us to a resolution.”

How to Help

The investigation is active and ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward.

• Phone: Contact the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 (Select Option 4).

• Online: Anonymous tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips mobile app or online at www.p3tips.com/983.