Man wanted for questioning after body found inside burning vehicle, say Sumter Police

Based on information gathered in the case, authorities believe John Elliot Dingle, 27, of Leo Road, might have information that could help detectives in an ongoing
investigation. (Photo: Sumter Police Department)

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– A Manning man is wanted for questioning after a body was discovered last month inside a burning vehicle behind an Eastwood Park apartment complex off Boulevard Road, says Sumter Police.

Human remains were found inside a car discovered burning before 2:20 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and were identified during an autopsy as Willis Samuel Jr., 67, of Manning.

Officers say Sumter Police Department is treating the case as a homicide and is working with the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and S.C. Law Enforcement Division to determine what happened, why and who was involved.

Based on information gathered in the case, authorities believe John Elliot Dingle, 27, of Leo Road, might have information that could help detectives in the ongoing
investigation.

Police say, Dingle is affiliated with Willis Samuel Jr.

Anyone who sees Dingle or has information that can help locate him should call the Sumter Police Department, 803-436-2700, or the nearest law enforcement
agency.

An up to $5,000 reward is being offered for information that can help law enforcement find him.

Tips also can be provided to CrimeStoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC, submitted online at P3tips.com or by using the P3tips app that is available for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.