News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has located 15-year-old Earl Fields III, reported missing last Saturday. Community involvement was crucial in ensuring his safe return. In a separate case, another teen, Talana Chaplin, is also missing, highlighting the importance of public vigilance. Both cases illustrate the effective collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Missing Teen Found Safe
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has successfully located 15-year-old Earl Fields III, who was reported missing last Saturday. Authorities confirmed that Earl is now safe and has returned home.
Earl was reported missing after he left his residence in the Sheldon area at around noon on Saturday. The Sheriff’s Office shared information regarding his disappearance on Sunday, prompting a public appeal for assistance in locating him. Described as standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds, Earl has black twisted hair and brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing black Dickies shorts, a black Dickies shirt, and a blue hat.
Community involvement played a crucial role in the search for Earl. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encouraged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact their non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Another Missing Teen Reported
In a separate case, Talana Chaplin, a 16-year-old female, was also reported missing after leaving her home on St. Helena Island around midnight on Monday. Talana is described as standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 90 pounds.
Similar to Earl’s case, the public was urged to reach out to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office with any information regarding Talana’s whereabouts. Both situations underscore the importance of community engagement in helping to quickly locate missing teenagers and ensure their safety.
Community Response and Support
The quick actions of law enforcement and the local community’s support highlight the collaborative efforts in Beaufort County to ensure the safety of its youth. As both Earl and Talana’s cases unfold, it has become evident that timely sharing of information can lead to successful outcomes in locating missing children.
Background on Missing Person Cases
The reporting of missing persons is a serious concern for any community. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in employing strategies to address these incidents, including public awareness campaigns and coordinated search efforts. Community members are reminded of the significance of vigilance, encouraging everyone to report any sightings or information that could assist in such cases.
The return of Earl Fields III serves as a reminder of the efficacy of community efforts in locating missing individuals. Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the critical nature of public involvement in efforts to maintain the safety of children and teenagers in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shooting in Beaufort County Leaves One Dead
Missing St. Helena Island Teen Found Safe
Tragic Case of Missing Child Linked to Human Trafficking
High-Speed Police Chase in Beaufort Leads to Manhunt
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfires
Community Unites to Find Missing Teenagers in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Locate Missing Teen
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WJCL: Earl Fields III – Beaufort County Missing
- Google Search: Beaufort County missing teen
- Live 5 News Video: Beaufort County Deputies Searching Missing Teen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Persons
- WJCL: Talana Chaplin – Beaufort County Missing
- Google News: Missing Children Beaufort

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.

