Full Breakdown
Missing South Carolina Personal Trainer Elena Katherine Moore Found Deceased
6/20/2026, 11:17:42 PM
Timeline
Moore signed in at Planet Fitness in Lexington at 6:40 p.m. on June 11, then walked toward a wooded area behind Lowe’s. Surveillance later captured her in a Publix parking lot at 9:17 p.m. heading toward Old Cherokee Road. She was reported missing on June 12. Searches continued through June 15-16. A tip on June 17 led officers to a body matching her description at 2:48 p.m.; the coroner confirmed identification on June 19.
Disappearance and Body Recovery
Elena Katherine Moore, 39, a personal trainer at Wolf’s Fitness Center, vanished after leaving Planet Fitness on June 11. The body recovered near Old Cherokee Road matched her height (5 ft 7 in), weight (? 120 lb), brown hair and eyes, and the olive-green hoodie with black athletic pants she wore. Cause and manner of death remain pending autopsy.
Background & Criticism
Friends said Moore repeatedly told confidante Sondra Campbell she was “scared for her life” and considered leaving husband Brannon Slice. A 2017 Facebook message also referenced moving out. They noted her habit of walking alone at night was “uncharacteristic,” raising safety concerns.
Official Statements
Police Chief Terrence Green said the body fits Moore’s clothing and that SLED is leading the death investigation, adding no foul play is confirmed. Coroner Margaret Fisher confirmed identification and scheduled an autopsy, noting cause of death may take days. Inspector Missy Silcox urged the public to provide tips, saying even a small tip could be decisive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage described the recovered remains as “unidentified,” while later statements confirmed positive identification as Moore. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined, and investigators have not located her phone or vehicle.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was scared for her life. She actually said those words to me,” — Sondra Campbell, friend
- “We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her,” — Terrence Green, Lexington Police Chief
- “Even the smallest tip could be the biggest thing for us to crack open this case.” — Missy Silcox, LPD Inspector
- “Hey girl not sure about ur situation ...but just from reading ur post i might be ending my almost 5 year relationship as well and might be looking for a roommate!! Let me know!” — Elena Katherine Moore (Facebook Messenger)
Why It Matters
The case underscores challenges of missing-person investigations in suburban areas, the importance of rapid public alerts, and the role of community tips in locating missing individuals. It also raises questions about personal-safety practices for adults under relationship stress, prompting local groups to call for resources for domestic-violence awareness and mental-health support.
What’s Next
The autopsy will determine cause and manner of death, after which SLED will issue a full report. Police continue to solicit tips and are monitoring Moore’s phone records. Community memorials and ongoing media coverage aim to keep public attention on the investigation.
