Accident – death – Obituary News :

Remains of Pendleton Man, Emmanual Quarles, Identified by Oconee County Coroner’s Office after Eight Years

After an extensive investigation lasting nearly eight years, the Oconee County Coroner’s Office has finally identified the skeletal remains discovered near Seneca on April 20, 2023, as Emmanual Quarles of Pendleton. Quarles had been reported missing in April 2015 and was presumed dead by the coroner’s office. The confirmation came this week after dental records from 2005 were used to positively identify the remains as belonging to Quarles.

In a statement released on behalf of the Quarles family, it was expressed that they are deeply saddened by the confirmation of their beloved son’s remains. Emmanuel was a cherished member of their family, and his absence has been deeply felt every day for the past eight years. While they had hoped for his safe return, the discovery of his remains brings them a sense of closure and allows them to begin the healing process.

The death of Quarles has been classified as a homicide; however, the exact cause of death has not been established. In 2019, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office charged Kerry Eugene Cobb with Quarles’ murder. Cobb led investigators to the remains discovered in Seneca.

According to previous reports from the Anderson Independent-Mail, investigators found blood in a pickup truck, matching Quarles’ DNA, that was discovered on the day he was last seen. This crucial evidence further implicated Cobb in the case.

Cobb’s trial was initially scheduled to commence earlier this year but was postponed until the remains found were confirmed to be those of Quarles. This delay ensured that the trial would have the latest evidence available for a fair and thorough proceeding.

The investigation into Quarles’ disappearance and subsequent murder spanned three counties and two judicial circuits. Several law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, State Law Enforcement Division, and Attorney General’s Office, were all actively involved in the case. Their relentless efforts and collaboration with forensic experts were crucial in bringing closure to this tragic chapter in the Quarles family’s lives.

The Quarles family expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards all the law enforcement agencies, investigators, and forensics experts for their unwavering dedication in solving this case and providing closure. Their commitment to seeking justice has provided the family with some solace during these difficult times.

Terry Benjamin II covers public safety and breaking news for The Greenville News and can be reached at tbenjamin@gannett.com or on X @Terrybenji2.

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