Left: Shakeima circa, 1993
Right: Age Progressed to age 34
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 22, 1993
Missing From: Dillon, Dillon County, South Carolina
Classification: Non-Family Abduction
Date Of Birth: December 29, 1982
Age: 10 years old
Height and Weight: 3’6″ and 65 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: African American Female, Black hair, Brown eyes, Shakeima had a double tooth on the upper side of her mouth at the time of her 1993 disappearance and has moles near the corner of her mouth and below her neck
NCMEC Number: 784420
Details of Disappearance
Shakeima disappeared from Dillon, South Carolina on July 22nd 1993. She was last seen getting into a vehicle with an initially unidentified man. That man was later identified as Sam Harmon, her stepfather who claimed that he took the child and her brother grocery shopping. He allegedly took them to the Turning Point Grocery Store on South 1st Avenue. He claimed that he left her and her brother at the store. She was never seen or heard from again afterwards.
A year before Shakeima vanished, she accused Harmon of inappropriately touching her. Her claims were investigated by the state Department of Social Services but her story could not be substantiated and it changed on several occasions. Harmon was not charged due to lack of evidence.
In August of 2005, Harmon was charged with kidnapping and killing Shakeima. He was charged with murder, 2 counts of kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty against him but elected to drop that and the sex charge against him. They, however, elected to have him put in prison for life. Investigators theorized that Shakeima’s allegation towards him in 1992 likely led to his motive for killing her.
Harmons trial began in October of 2008, several of her family members testified against him. Her uncle stated that Harmon made a disturbing comment two weeks before Shakeima disappeared. He stated he knew of ways to dispose of a body. Investigators have also noted that Shakeima was very close to her grandmother and brother. She hasn’t contacted either of them since she went missing.
Harmon was acquitted of killing Shakeima but was convicted of abducting her. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the crime. He would be available for parole in 10 to 12 months for time served, however, and even if his parole was denied he could get out 3 years later. Harmons brother also stated he felt his brother couldn’t have been capable of killing her. Some of her relatives still believe she could be alive. There was no physical evidence that she was killed. Investigators believe she is likely deceased, however.
Shakeima’s disappearance remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Dillon Police Department 843-841-3707
Source Information
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children