In the quiet heart of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, a chilling manhunt has gripped the community, as authorities race against time to apprehend a dangerous suspect and rescue a young woman believed to be in grave peril. Sheriff Leroy Ravenell of the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office has issued a desperate plea for public assistance, warning that 20-year-old Corie Martinez, wanted for a brazen attempted murder, is armed, dangerous, and on the loose—potentially with 19-year-old Mary Virginia Dilling, a missing and endangered teen, by his side.
The saga began on the evening of July 31, 2025, when a violent shooting shattered the calm of Orangeburg County. A male victim was left seriously wounded, clinging to life, as bullets tore through the night. Authorities quickly identified Martinez as the prime suspect, a man now at the center of a high-stakes pursuit. Described as a Hispanic male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 280 pounds, Martinez is considered a significant threat. Sheriff Ravenell’s warning is stark: “This individual is armed and dangerous. Do not approach him under any circumstances.”
Adding a layer of urgency to the manhunt is the disappearance of Mary Virginia Dilling, a 19-year-old white female, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 120 pounds. Investigators believe Dilling is traveling with Martinez, her safety hanging in the balance. The young woman’s status as endangered has sent shockwaves through the community, with law enforcement mobilizing every resource to ensure her safe return. “Mary Virginia Dilling’s well-being is our top priority,” Sheriff Ravenell declared, his voice heavy with resolve. “We are treating her disappearance with the utmost urgency.”
The pair were last seen together on the fateful day of the shooting, July 31, 2025, possibly fleeing in a white 2013 Kia Optima with South Carolina license plate 563-BRL. A distinctive clue may aid in their detection: the vehicle is missing its front bumper, making it stand out on the roads. Authorities are urging residents across Orangeburg County and beyond to keep their eyes peeled for this damaged car, a potential lifeline in locating the suspect and the missing teen.
Sheriff Ravenell’s appeal to the public is both a call to action and a plea for caution. “We need the community to be alert and vigilant,” he urged. “If you spot Martinez or the vehicle, do not attempt to intervene. Call law enforcement immediately.” The Sheriff’s Office has set up multiple channels for tips, emphasizing that every piece of information, no matter how small, could be the key to resolving this dangerous situation. Residents with information are encouraged to dial 911 for immediate sightings or contact Orangeburg County investigators at 803-308-0986 for non-emergency tips. Anonymous submissions can also be made through local Crime Stoppers programs, offering a safe way for the community to contribute.
The investigation into the July 31 shooting remains fluid, with detectives working tirelessly to unravel the events leading up to the violent act. Details about the victim’s condition and the motive behind the shooting remain closely guarded as the case unfolds, but the Sheriff’s Office has vowed to leave no stone unturned. “We’re piecing together every detail,” Ravenell said, his determination palpable. “This is an active investigation, and we won’t rest until justice is served and Mary Virginia Dilling is safe.”
In a community now on high alert, residents are being asked to play a critical role. Those with security cameras or doorbell footage in areas where Martinez and Dilling were last seen are urged to review their recordings for any sign of the suspect, the missing teen, or the distinctive Kia Optima. “Every tip counts,” Ravenell emphasized. “Your footage could hold the clue we need to bring this situation to a close.”
As the manhunt intensifies, Orangeburg County stands united in its resolve to protect its own. The image of a young woman in danger and a dangerous suspect on the run has galvanized the community, with Sheriff Ravenell’s words echoing as a rallying cry: “Let’s work together to ensure the safety of our communities.” In this moment of crisis, the people of Orangeburg County are called to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement, holding fast to the hope that courage, vigilance, and unity will bring Mary Virginia Dilling home and bring a dangerous fugitive to justice.
