Belk Department Store Worker Found Dead In Bathroom

Police in South Carolina are investigating the death of a Belk department store worker, who was dead in a public bathroom for four days before her body was discovered.

Bessie Durham, 63, who worked as a janitor for Belk, located at the Columbiana Centre, was found dead in a bathroom stall on Monday night.

Durham was last seen alive by another worker on Thursday. Her body went unnoticed until her family filed a missing person’s report.

Columbia Police Department Deputy Chief Melron Kelly said Durham’s family told officers four days had passed since they last spoke with her.

“We were with the family taking a missing person’s report, and once we were on scene and did a little investigating, we did discover the person deceased at the Belk,” Kelly said.

When police discovered Durham’s body, her cleaning cart was also outside of the restroom. The investigation remains ongoing as police try to determine how Durham’s body went unnoticed and if anyone was negligent.

Belk was opened during its regular hours during the four days Durham’s body remained in the bathroom.

“We’re still working with the store to find out what their process is to closing down the store, inspecting the store and things of that nature,” Kelly said.

While an autopsy is expected to take place later this week, the coroner found no indications of drug use.

Belk has since issued a statement regarding the employee’s death.

“First and foremost, we send our deepest condolences to the family of the housekeeping associate who was employed by KBS, which provides cleaning services at our Columbiana Centre location,” the statement read.

“At this time, we are working with KBS to determine the details around what happened. We have also made counselors available to Belk and KBS associates seeking support.”

No criminal charges have been filed as of Wednesday afternoon.