'Sick individual': Man kept several people captive in his basement for over 10 years, controlling their eating, bathroom access, and finances

A South Carolina man is in custody for allegedly keeping four people captive in his basement for years, authorities say.

Donnie Ray Birchfield, Jr., 35, faces numerous charges, including:

Four counts of false imprisonment
Four counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult
Two counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult
Two counts of domestic violence
Four counts of financial fraud

Warrants in the case were recently released.

“That’s a sick individual right there,” one neighbor told Charlotte, North Carolina-based ABC and Telemundo affiliate WSOC. “He’s a sick person to do something like that.”

The alleged crimes took place at a residence on Churchill Drive in Lancaster, a small town just south of the border with its northern namesake state.

The investigation began on July 25, after Lancaster police responded to an “unattended death”, according to warrants obtained by The Post and Courier. Birchfield was arrested by August 1.

One of the alleged captives died. She was married, and Birchfield was reportedly the sole caregiver for her and her husband. Authorities have not confirmed how Birchfield knew the couple. Birchfield allegedly denied the husband food and medical care.

The other two victims were women with whom Birchfield had romantic relationships. One had been living with him since September 2024, and the other since 2015, according to authorities.

Birchfield allegedly controlled all movement of the victims, only letting them leave the basement when he allowed. He reportedly dictated when they ate and used the bathroom, and controlled their cell phones to prevent them from calling for help.

Authorities claim that at least one woman was regularly strangled, causing her to fear for her life. Birchfield also allegedly threatened her by referencing prior experience disposing of a human body.

Birchfield is accused of committing extensive financial crimes against the couple. From 2021 onward, he allegedly used their credit and debit cards for at least 32 Walmart purchases totaling over $2,000, solely for his own use.

In the first eight months of 2025, Birchfield reportedly spent more than $11,800 from the couple’s bank account to pay off his debts.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could follow. Birchfield is currently detained without bail at the Lancaster County Detention Center.