News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office located two missing women, Sarah Nicole Sullivan and Melinda Michelle Scott, both safe and unharmed. Family reports triggered swift public assistance efforts. Sarah was reported missing early in the day, while Melinda had been missing since her birthday late last month. The successful resolution highlights the importance of community involvement in missing persons cases.
Beaufort County, SC
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office successfully located two missing women, Sarah Nicole Sullivan and Melinda Michelle Scott, on Friday afternoon, July 18, 2025. Both women were found safe and unharmed at around 4:00 p.m.
Sarah Nicole Sullivan, aged 35, was reported missing by her family at approximately 9:30 a.m. on the same day. She had last been seen and spoken to around 3:00 a.m. on July 18, raising concerns among her loved ones. It remains unclear whether Sarah left the area on foot or if someone picked her up, contributing to the urgency of her family’s concerns.
Melinda Michelle Scott, 47 years old, was reported missing later in the day, around 11:00 a.m. Scott’s family had been increasingly anxious about her welfare, as she had not been seen or heard from since her birthday evening, June 29, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m. The prolonged absence had escalated worries for her safety, leading to her being classified as endangered.
In response to the disappearances, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office had requested public assistance in locating both women prior to their successful return. Their advocacy highlighted the need for community involvement in aiding law enforcement efforts for missing persons.
Timeline of Events
On July 18, 2025, the timeline began with the discovery that both women were missing. Sarah Sullivan’s family reported her missing at 9:30 a.m., only a few hours after she had last been heard from. Melinda Scott was reported missing later that morning after her family had expressed deep concerns due to her extended absence since late June.
- 3:00 a.m. – Last contact with Sarah Sullivan.
- 9:30 a.m. – Sarah reported missing by family.
- 11:00 a.m. – Melinda Scott reported missing by family.
- 4:00 p.m. – Both women located safe and unharmed.
Community Response and Final Resolution
The community’s involvement played a crucial role in the search for the two women. The Sheriff’s Office utilized its resources and communicated effectively with the public, urging anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Sarah Sullivan or Melinda Scott before their discovery to contact them. The non-emergency dispatch line was set up specifically for this purpose, indicating a collaborative approach between law enforcement and community members.
Fortunately, the situation concluded positively with both women safe and unharmed, alleviating worries for their families and friends. Following their recovery, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of community alerts and proactive measures in cases of missing persons.
Background Context
Missing persons cases can create significant anxiety and fear within families and communities. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has a history of responding promptly to reports of missing individuals, leveraging both traditional investigative techniques and community resources to enhance the chances of a successful resolution. In this instance, the teamwork between law enforcement and local citizens was pivotal in locating Sarah Sullivan and Melinda Scott in a timely manner.
Furthermore, these incidents serve as reminders of the concerns surrounding individual safety and well-being, emphasizing the need for vigilance within communities. Keeping open lines of communication and sharing information can often help in resolving cases quickly and efficiently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WSAV: Beaufort County Searching for 2 Separate Missing Women
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Locate 2 Missing Endangered Women
- Google Search: Beaufort County missing women
- WTOC: Two Women Reported Missing Endangered
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Your Island News: Man Arrested for Murder, Kidnapping
- Google News: Beaufort County missing women
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
