5 Disturbing Facts Surrounding the Murder of Tamika Huston

Tamika Huston, a vibrant and spirited young woman from Spartanburg, South Carolina, mysteriously vanished in May 2004. It took more than a year for any remains to be discovered. The investigation into her tragic death culminated in the conviction of her boyfriend, Christopher Lamont Hampton, who was sentenced to life in prison.

This heartbreaking case attracted national attention due to the distressing circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death. ABC’s 20/20 is set to present a comprehensive report on this case, titled 20/20 “The Girl Who Looked Like Me,” airing on Friday at 9:00 PM EST.

Here are five unsettling details surrounding the murder of Tamika Huston.

5 Disturbing Facts About Tamika Huston’s Murder

1) Tamika Huston Disappeared Without a Trace

Tamika Huston had been missing from her Spartanburg home since May 2004, but it went unnoticed until a welfare check was conducted on June 14, as she lived alone. Her family immediately suspected foul play when they discovered her pregnant pit bull alone, having resorted to eating her puppies due to starvation.

The condition of her dog raised serious concerns about Tamika’s well-being, given the strong bond she shared with her pet. However, the initial investigation yielded little information.

2) Her Car Provided a Crucial Lead

On June 20, police found her black 1991 Honda abandoned at a nearby apartment complex. Inside the vehicle, they uncovered a set of keys, which became a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.

This discovery prompted law enforcement to visit Barksdale Apartments to interview her then-boyfriend, Christopher Lamont Hampton. At that time, he was already incarcerated for an unrelated crime, but the evidence in the car assisted in moving the case forward.

3) Christopher Lamont Hampton Confessed to the Crime

As authorities focused on Christopher Lamont Hampton, they brought him in for questioning and searched his apartment. During this search, investigators found blood evidence that matched Tamika’s DNA.

This led to his arrest for her murder in January 2005. Under pressure, Hampton confessed to the crime, claiming that during a heated argument about finances, he threw a hot iron at Tamika, knocking her unconscious. The tragic incident occurred in his apartment, and he attempted to conceal the evidence.

4) He Attempted to Conceal the Body Twice

After the tragic event, Christopher Hampton panicked and borrowed a friend’s vehicle to dispose of Tamika’s body. He buried her in a remote wooded area off Tyger River Drive in western Spartanburg County and even erected a makeshift cross over her grave using branches.

However, overwhelmed by guilt, he returned to the burial site, contemplating turning himself in. Instead, he exhumed Tamika’s body and reburied it at the same location, hoping to escape detection. More than a year later, he led authorities directly to her remains after confessing.

5) A Heated Argument Over Money Led to Tamika’s Death

The argument that tragically ended Tamika’s life centered on money. As Hampton revealed, the confrontation erupted when Tamika requested financial support, which he denied. At that time, Hampton was in a relationship with another woman who was pregnant with his child, adding strain to his relationship with Tamika.

During the argument, Tamika questioned whether this unborn child held more significance for him than she did, which caused Hampton to snap. In a moment of rage, he hurled a heated iron, striking her in the head and causing her to lose consciousness. Overcome with despair, he resorted to extreme measures.

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