In a shocking turn of events, a South Carolina father has been charged with the murder of his 5-year-old son, Justin Turner, over three decades after the horrific incident took place. The father, Victor Lee Turner, was featured in archived footage from a 1989 TV news broadcast where he broke down upon discovering his son's lifeless body. The case had gone cold for years until recent scientific and forensic advancements connected Victor and his former stepmother, Megan Turner, to the heinous crime.

The disturbing footage captured Victor rushing into the family's camper near their home and immediately retreating while shouting, "My son's in there. Somebody's hurt him." Tragically, Justin's body was found inside a cabinet in the camper, with signs of strangulation and sexual assault, according to the police.

Authorities revealed that Justin was strangled with a ligature in the early hours of March 3, 1989, shortly before he was expected to go to school. His disappearance was reported on the same day. Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis expressed his dismay, stating, "I can't think of a more tragic, horrendous murder. A 5-year-old boy."

After decades of minimal progress, advancements in scientific techniques and forensic analysis finally uncovered the link between Victor, Megan, and Justin's murder. A ligature found in the Turners' home matched the marks on the victim's body, and microscopic fibers on the ligature matched Justin's shirt collar material, according to court documents referenced by WCSC.

Investigators believe that Justin's body was hidden in the camper shortly after his death, as suggested by a forensic pathologist's report. The report indicated that he died "near the time he was last seen alive," WCSC reported.

Arrest warrants cited the infamous TV footage of Victor's reaction upon discovering his son's lifeless body, claiming that their deliberate actions and behavior indicated they knew precisely where Justin was located. Victor's statement, recalling Justin's lifeless appearance, further raised suspicions.

Megan, the boy's stepmother at the time, was initially a suspect after admitting to an argument with Justin on the morning of his death. However, charges against her were dropped in November 1990 due to a lack of evidence. Subsequently, a grand jury declined to indict Megan, who later changed her name from Pamela K. Turner.

On Wednesday, Victor and Megan were arrested at their Cross Hill, South Carolina home and charged with murder. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A virtual court appearance took place the same evening, during which Amy Parsons, Justin's cousin, addressed the accused individuals, expressing her anger and highlighting the deep pain inflicted on the family.

Sheriff Lewis emphasized that Justin would have turned 40 years old if he were still alive, reminding everyone of the profound loss suffered by the young boy and his loved ones. The arrest of Victor and Megan after all these years brings a glimmer of hope for justice, as the legal process unfolds to determine the truth behind this tragic crime.