The Thanksgiving holiday is supposed to be a time where we reflect on the many blessings we have in life, not a tragic event. But for one family in Orangeburg, South Carolina, the day was anything but jolly.
On Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24, 2022, a welfare check was performed on Crystal Jumper. A concerned family member had not heard from her recently and was worried. According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, “deputies found a deceased female who had not been heard from since November 1. Investigating deputies learned the deceased female has a child named Aspen Jeter who was not located in the home.”
On Monday, November 28, the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office announced the search for Aspen, age 5, sharing a photo of her. "If you have any information in the whereabouts of this child, please let us know. You don't have to give your name, but just give us what you know,” stated the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office urged the public to help in this investigation by providing information. A small detail that is seemingly unimportant could help locate Aspen or explain her mother’s death. “Anyone with any information on the child’s location or deceased person are urged to contact the OCSO at 803-534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC,” the announcement said.
Aspen and Crystal Jumper’s family have spoken to WIS-TV, an NBC affiliate, about this tragic turn of events. They confirmed when the police found Jumper, she had been shot and was lying in her bed. The family is mourning her death but is focused on finding Aspen.
Pauley Jumper, Crystal Jumper’s brother and Aspen’s uncle, said, “She's a sweet little baby and we just want her home.” He had not heard from his sister since November 1 but says that was not unusual. "She was a private person, she kept to herself," he stated.
Pauley Jumper also told the outlet that funeral arrangements for his sister will be put on hold until Aspen is located. Aspen also has a rare disability that makes it all the more critical for her to be found. Jumper is frustrated with the lack of communication from investigators.
"She's not able to walk, she can't talk. So just everybody pray that we get her home," Jumper stated. He is a worried uncle.
The family also told WIS-TV that Aspen’s father, Antar Jeter, is also missing. They are unsure if he is considered a suspect at this time. According to an incident report from the sheriff's office, Jeter was supposedly living at the residence with Crystal Jumper and Aspen at the time of her death.
An autopsy will be performed on Crystal Jumper's body this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Here’s hoping Aspen can be located and returned to her family safely. That would be a silver lining in this horrible situation.
