Missing Laurens man found deceased

Less than 24 hours after the Laurens Police Department asked through social media for help locating a missing Laurens man, he was found dead Tuesday at a residence on Charlton Street.

Ricky Robinson Jr., 54, had been missing for a several days when he was reported missing.

The LPD said there is no danger to the public, but the investigation into Robinson’s death is still ongoing. Investigators from the LPD and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) were on scene where Robinson’s body was discovered Tuesday afternoon just off of South Harper Street.

According to a social media post by the LPD asking for the public’s help in locating Robinson, he was last scene on Tuesday, Oct. 28

“While there is no danger to the public, the Laurens Police Department continues to follow all leads and gather information related to the circumstances surrounding this case,” the LPD said in a release.

Robinson had last been seen around the Green Street Mini Mart, which is about a seven-minute walk from Charlton Street where Robinson’s body was found, on or around Oct. 28.

A missing persons case was opened around 1:30 p.m. Monday after Robinson was reported missing by some friends and family members.

The body was taken to Greenville by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland said he could not comment on the cause of death, but said the investigation is ongoing.

“We can’t release many more details that we have,” Copeland said. “We have spoken with the family. They are aware of the situation, and we are working diligently to get answers for the family.”

Robinson frequented downtown Laurens and was well-known to business owners, employees and their patrons on and around the square.

Anyone with any additional information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact the Laurens Police Department at 864-984-3532 or by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Laurens County CrimeStoppers by visiting www.p3tips.com or calling 864-68-CRIME (864-682-7463).