South Carolina Man Accused of Keeping People Captive in Basement for a Decade Now Charged With Murder: “He’s a Sick Person”
LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina man already behind bars for holding multiple people captive in his basement for years is now facing a murder charge after a woman was found dead inside his home, authorities announced this week.
The suspect, 35-year-old Donnie Ray Birchfield Jr., was originally arrested over the summer on 16 charges linked to the alleged underground confinement of four adults. But prosecutors say new evidence connects him to the death of 49-year-old Shirley Arnsdorff, who was discovered lifeless on the floor of his Lancaster home on July 25.
“This is a heartbreaking case that has profoundly impacted our community,” said Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper. “We are dedicated to achieving justice for the victim and her family.”
New Murder Charge Deepens an Already Disturbing Case
Police were initially called to Birchfield’s residence on Churchill Drive for what was described as an “unattended death.” The case quickly escalated when investigators uncovered disturbing signs of neglect, imprisonment, and abuse.
As of Friday, Birchfield faces 18 criminal counts, including:
- Murder
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Financial identity fraud
- Financial card fraud and theft
- Abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable adult
- Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature
- False imprisonment
Authorities allege that Birchfield exerted complete control over several victims — limiting when they could eat, leave the basement, or even use the bathroom.
One woman reportedly told police she feared for her life after Birchfield allegedly strangled her multiple times and boasted about knowing how to dispose of a body.
“That’s a sick individual right there,” a neighbor told WSOC-TV. “He’s a sick person to do something like that.”
Victims Include a Married Couple and Two Romantic Partners
Investigators say one of the victims, Shirley Arnsdorff, lived with her husband, who was also under Birchfield’s control. The suspect allegedly served as the couple’s “caregiver” — a role police now believe he abused to exert total domination.
According to arrest warrants, Birchfield denied the husband food, medical care, and communication, effectively cutting him off from help.
Authorities are still investigating how Birchfield became involved with the couple in the first place. Meanwhile, two other victims — both women he was romantically involved with — had allegedly lived in the home for years under similar control.
One woman reportedly moved in during 2015, and another in September 2024, with both subjected to psychological manipulation and physical abuse.
Financial Crimes and Years of Exploitation
Beyond the violent allegations, investigators uncovered what they describe as a long-running financial exploitation scheme.
Police say Birchfield used the couple’s credit and debit cards to make at least 32 unauthorized purchases from Walmart totaling more than $2,000 since 2021. In 2025 alone, he allegedly spent over $11,800 from their bank account to pay off his personal debts.
Officers believe these crimes were part of a broader pattern of financial and emotional abuse used to maintain control over his victims. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Community Horrified by Ongoing Investigation
The shocking discovery has left the Lancaster community reeling. Residents described Birchfield’s home as “quiet” and “unassuming,” making the allegations even more disturbing.
Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. The case remains under active investigation by the Lancaster Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Chief Roper said his department is committed to bringing full justice for the victims:
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and hope that justice will bring them some peace.”
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