20-year-old Sumter man murdered, body set on fire by gang members, says sheriff
SUMTER, SC (WOLO) — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the name of a victim believed to be murdered by gang members.
Deputies say the body of 20-year-old Maurice Tyrell Isaac was found about 100 yards into the woods near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Industrial Road. The Sumter County Coroner confirmed Isaac had been beaten and shot in the head — his body then taken to the woods and set on fire.
According to Sheriff Anthony Dennis, Isaac’s body was discovered by a local resident around 5 p.m. on August 1st — that person then called 911 to alert authorities.
“Any loss of life is tragic, but it’s especially troublesome to see a young person killed in such a horrible manner,” says Dennis.
Sheriff Dennis believes the heinous act may be the gang’s way of trying to “send a message.”
He has a message for suspects, saying, “Well…we’re coming to get you. I promise you that. We will identify you and we will have you taken into custody and prosecute you to the fullest.”
Nearby resident Christopher Cooper had not yet heard about Isaac’s death when interviewed by ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams. Cooper feels the neighborhood is usually a safe place to live.
“Really crazy, because you really don’t hear too much about things happening here in this area, but it’s like dang…like wow,” Cooper says.
The sheriff’s office calls the murder an isolated incident — and Sheriff Dennis is now asking the public for help to bring Isaac’s killers to justice.
“We are continuing to ask the community for help with any information. If anyone has information, we are asking that you call our office or CrimeStoppers.”
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 803-436-2774 or CrimeStoppers can be reached by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC.
