Second suspect charged in murder of missing Delco woman

DELCO, NC (WECT) – Authorities have arrested 47-year-old Lance Arrington Sandlin of Delco and Lori Flowers in connection to the death of a woman who disappeared in May 2024.

Sandlin was charged with murder on Monday evening and is being held without bond for the murder of 38-year-old Shanna Denise Perry of Delco.

Flowers has been arrested and charged with murder and accessory after the fact to murder, with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office saying she allegedly helped Sandlin escape detection, arrest, and punishment by denying medical aid to Perry and by helping hide her from witnesses.

“The investigation into Shanna Perry’s disappearance began in May 2024. Despite extensive searches and hundreds of man-hours dedicated to finding Shanna, she remains missing tonight. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the NC State Bureau of Investigation throughout the investigation. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office will continue searching for Shanna tonight,” Columbus Co. wrote on their Facebook page.

Authorities also disclosed multiple people were involved in Perry’s disappearance and additional arrests are possible. The investigation is ongoing.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of Shanna Perry or details related to the case, call the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 642-6551 or submit information anonymously here.