A South Carolina woman, Margaret Roberson, 57, was denied bond this week on human trafficking charges tied to forcing five minors to clean medical clinics—and the 2025 murder of 11-year-old A’Kyri Bell in their Carolina Forest home.
Case Overview
- Starting Jan. 2025, Roberson (“matriarch”) and Camisha McGaskey, 32 (A’Kyri’s guardian), allegedly trafficked kids for forced labor around Conway (near Myrtle Beach).
- Punishment: “Upper room treatment”—waterboarding in an upstairs bathroom; videos show Roberson watching and laughing, per prosecutors and victim testimony.
- June 11, 2025: A’Kyri died from blunt force injuries; McGaskey charged with murder.
Charges and Defendants
- Roberson: 5 counts trafficking persons, 3 unlawful conduct toward child, 1 conspiracy.
- Total 6 adults charged, including Lakesha Burnett (34), Alantis Thomas (22), Alexandria Thomas (20), Darnell Dearmas (21)—all accused of contributing to the homicide via obstruction/abuse.
- Defense claims no proof of trafficking (just “kids working”), contradictory child statements.
Horry County Sheriff calls it “horrific”; forced child labor qualifies as trafficking under SC law if coercive. Sources: Horry SO, WBTW, WMBF.
Local SC Note: As you’re in the region, this case echoes rising trafficking probes in Horry/Conway—report suspicions to Horry County SO at 843-248-1520.
