Man accused of arson, desecration of human remains turns himself into police
Image: Sumter Police Department
Image: Sumter Police Department
Sumter, SC (WOLO) — The Sumter Police has arrested a man initially wanted for questioning after an acquaintance was found dead inside of a burning car is now being charged in connection with the homicide. Police say 27 year old John Elliot Dingle of Manning turned himself into police Wednesday after warrants were issued for him last week for arson and desecration of human remains.
Police say the initial incident took place December 31, 2024 just before 2:30 a.m. after someone police to report a car on fire. Authorities say information gathered at the scene in addition to the preliminary autopsy findings they were able to determine the body inside of the car was 67 year old Willis Samuel Jr. of Manning.
Police say Samuel was dead inside of the vehicle that was parked behind the Eastwood Park apartment complex located just off of Boulevard Road prior to it allegedly being set on fire by Dingle. Authorities say Dingle has been booked at the county detention center where he was given a surety bond of $50,000 dollars with location monitoring.
The Sumter Police Department, The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Sumter County Coroner’s Office are working together to determine exactly how Samuels was killed before his body was left inside the burning car.
Stay with ABC Columbia News for updates on air and online as they become available.
