On Boxing Day morning, a 56-year-old woman named Heather Asendorf was discovered dead on a popular beach, wrapped in a blanket. The alarming discovery was made by a passerby around 7 AM, who alerted the authorities, but unfortunately, Asendorf was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter. The circumstances of her death prompted an immediate investigation and heightened concern in the local community.

The police's investigation was significantly aided by a single photograph, which led to the identification of a suspect. Brandon Ward McCray, a 28-year-old man, was apprehended on 5 January and subsequently charged with serious offenses including sexual battery, kidnapping, battery, and battery by strangulation. This development raised further questions about the events leading to Asendorf's death and painted a grim picture of the potential violence that may have occurred.

Witnesses reported chilling details, with one observing a "blood trail" supposedly leading away from the site where Asendorf's body was found. These disturbing accounts, coupled with the nature of the charges against McCray, suggest a narrative of violence and tragedy that has captivated local media attention and prompted calls for justice in the aftermath of this shocking incident.