Update: Suspect identified in deadly shooting at “nuisance” bar in Sumter Co.

Wanted Poster: Donta Dowe

Update: The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has identified Donta Dowe, 23, as a murder suspect in the shooting death of Nigel Scott Batts.

SUMTER CO., S.C. (WOLO) – The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says one man died after a bar shooting early Sunday, leaving the bar’s future in jeopardy.

Authorities say it happened at the Melted Whiskey on the 1300 block of Peach Orchard Road.

Sumter County Coroner Robert Baker says Scott Batts, 23, died from his injuries at a local hospital and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Investigators say they have determined a person of interest as they continue to look into this case.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis says “this incident has solidified my decision to initiate an injunction with Sumter County Council to have the Melted
Whiskey shut down for the safety of the community.”

The sheriff continued by saying his deputies have received “numerous calls at that bar that include impaired driving that led to thousands of dollars in damage to a neighboring business, dangerous fights and shootings.”

Sheriff Dennis also stated that he considers the business to be a nuisance to other businesses due to a lack of proper security and received multiple complaints about the bar from the citizens.

If you have any information on this incident, please call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.