Dalzell man charged after body found

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) — A Dalzell man is charged with murder after a body was found behind a vacant house early Friday evening. Sumter Police Department officers identified the deceased as Shimone Gillins, 33, of Sumter. Working in conjunction with the Sumter County Coroner‘s Office, an autopsy performed this morning determined the victim suffered gunshot wounds to the upper body. Leads in the investigation helped detectives to identify the shooter as Qwinton Diquan Harper, 24 (DOB: 4/29/91), last known address 4405 Maxie St, Dalzell. Harper is known to frequent the area where Gillins was found. Harper turned himself in to police this morning without incident. He is being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending bond. Police and Emergency Medical Services officials responded to 611 S. Harvin St. at about 7 p.m. Friday after receiving a call that someone, who was possibly ill or deceased, was seen in the backyard. A preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was in retaliation for a fight between the victim and suspect a few weeks ago. The two men appear to have been acquaintances, both of whom were involved in criminal activity. “It is never good to have unnecessary and unwanted behavior such as this occurring in the city of Sumter,” Sumter Police Chief Russell F. Roark III said. “The neighborhood, in which this pointless shooting occurred, does not reflect the positive image and pride of the citizens living there. “Tragic as this incident may be, it is the result of reckless and irresponsible crime-on-crime behavior that ultimately led to a death. In short this death is a result of a fight and retaliation for that physical altercation between acquaintances involved in a criminal circle.” Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700. Information also can be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718 or 1-888-CRIME-SC.