5-year-old S.C. girl remains missing after her mom was found fatally shot on Thanksgiving

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (TCD) -- Law enforcement officials are searching for a missing 5-year-old girl and her father after her mother was found dead on Thanksgiving.

According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, at approximately noon on Nov. 24, deputies went to the 200 block of Louise Drive to conduct a welfare check. When they arrived, they reportedly found a deceased female who had not been heard from since Nov. 1.

The Sheriff's Office said investigators learned the victim had a 5-year-old daughter, Aspen Jeter, who has not been located yet. WACH-TV reports the victim was in an "advanced stage of decomposition."

According to WIS-TV, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said the victim died from a single gunshot wound to the upper body, and her manner of death is homicide.

In a press conference Wednesday, Nov. 30, Ravenell said his office is working with several other law enforcement agencies, and they are searching for Aspen's father, Antar Jeter. He's reportedly the girl's custodial parent and is believed to be traveling in a blue Mazda 6.

Ravenell said detectives obtained a warrant for Jeter's arrest for theft of the vehicle, and they are focusing their search for Antar and Aspen Jeter in North Carolina. The office reportedly requested an Amber Alert for Aspen, but it did not meet the criteria.

The victim's family identified her as Crystal Jumper to WIS, and said Aspen is not able to walk or talk.

Aspen's uncle, Pauley Jumper, told WIS, "She’s a sweet little baby and we just want her home."

MORE:

• Investigators are searching for a five-year-old child reported missing from an Orangeburg residence - Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
• Sheriff Leroy Ravenell  holds a press conference regarding the case of missing 5-year-old Aspen Jeter - WIS via Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office
• Orangeburg mother’s death declared a homicide in search for missing 5-year-old child - WIS
• Investigators enter day 5 in search for 5-year-old Aspen Jeter - WIS
• Orangeburg community hopeful as the search continues for missing 5-year-old Aspen Jeter - WACH