MARION, SC – A South Carolina woman has been arrested in connection with the death of a Massachusetts man whose body was found in a trash can nearly a month after he vanished, authorities said.

Jaida Monique Braddy, 41, was booked late last month on a charge of accessory after the fact to a felony or murder in relation to the slaying of David Hutchinson, 32. Braddy remains held at the Marion County Detention Center with bond set at $15,000.

Hutchinson’s disappearance was first reported by his Massachusetts family on January 12. According to relatives, he had traveled to Marion by bus in late December with intentions to return home by early January. The last known contact with Hutchinson occurred December 29, when communications with his family abruptly ceased.

Marion police launched an investigation after a tip suggested a possible homicide at a local residence in January. Despite no reports of gunfire or disturbances in the area at the time, investigators began following leads, eventually focusing on Hutchinson.

On January 29, authorities made a grim discovery: Hutchinson’s remains were found in a curbside trash can outside an abandoned house on Pearl Street. The body showed signs of decomposition, indicating he may have been dead for several weeks.

Although investigators have refrained from disclosing the specific cause of death, officials have classified the case as a homicide and noted evidence suggesting Hutchinson may have been fatally shot. Results of an autopsy scheduled for this week are expected to shed more light on the manner of his death.

Police allege that Braddy aided in moving the trash can containing Hutchinson’s body to its final location, though it remains unclear whether she played a direct role in his killing. Authorities have not stated if any other suspects are being sought in connection with the homicide.

Details surrounding Hutchinson’s final days remain limited, but his family has offered their own account through an online fundraising page. They allege he was enticed to South Carolina with promises of financial opportunity from a woman claiming to be an entrepreneur. Once there, they say, Hutchinson realized he had been deceived.

His family claims he was robbed of his money and dropped off at a so-called “trap house,” where his phone was also stolen. They say a subsequent dispute over stolen barbering equipment led to an altercation in which a gun was drawn, and that was the last anyone saw of Hutchinson.

Hutchinson’s family continues to grieve, emphasizing that he should be remembered for more than the circumstances of his death. Loved ones describe him as trusting and kind, a barber by trade who, despite his missteps, did not deserve such a fate.

Authorities have continues to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward as their investigation continues. No further arrests have been announced.