Murder warrant obtained for ex-boyfriend of pregnant woman found dead in Horry County

A murder warrant has been obtained by Horry County police for the ex-boyfriend of a pregnant woman who was found dead Monday in a vacant lot in the Longs area.

Horry County police were dispatched to 1700 Vera Road in Longs about 11 a.m. Monday in reference to a dead body. A complainant had gone into the empty lot to get some dirt, but turned around and called police when he noticed a “motionless” body with blood around it, according to a police report.

Shannon DiTillio, 22, was about 16 weeks pregnant, based on a pathological exam, when she was discovered; but Horry County Coroner’s Office officials are trying to confirm that with her doctor, said Tamara Willard, Horry County chief deputy coroner.

DiTillio was lying face up with a small puddle of blood to her right, the report said. Officers noted a blue backpack was on the ground to her left, and a red and black backpack was in the pond behind her, police said.

DiTillio arrived in Horry County on Thursday from Buffalo, N.Y., according to authorities.

Horry County police obtained a warrant Thursday for DiTillio’s ex-boyfriend Christopher Kalb, 29, of Ash, N. C., according to Lt. Mark Bonner with Horry County police. Authorities have also obtained a warrant for Kalb for possession of a weapon during a violent felony, Bonner said.

Kalb was arrested Wednesday night in Brunswick County, N.C., in connection with an unrelated domestic violence charge from November involving a different female victim. Kalb allegedly grabbed her and struck her in the face during that incident, and he is being held without bond at the Brunswick County Jail, according Emily Flax, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman.

The warrants obtained by Horry County police haven’t been served on Kalb because he is outside Horry County, but authorities are working to have him extradited here, Bonner said.

BCSO authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Kalb as a fugitive because he is wanted in connection with murder in Horry County.

DiTillio and Kalb have a young daughter together who is in New York, Bonner said.

Police are asking anyone with information on where she had been staying during her visit in Horry County to call 843-915-5350 or the tip line at 843-915-8477. Horry County police are still investigating.

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 10:21 AM with the headline "Murder warrant obtained for ex-boyfriend of pregnant woman found dead in Horry County."