Sumter County, S.C. — A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that rocked a quiet residential area in Sumter County earlier this week, but officials say the investigation is far from over.

Authorities with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 44-year-old Michael William Dow has been taken into custody following the deadly shooting of Robert Dustin Burleson, also 44, whose body was discovered inside his home on Dink Street in the Lakeview neighborhood, near the Pocotaligo River.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, when emergency services responded to reports of a shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, deputies found Burleson dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The circumstances surrounding the shooting prompted an immediate and intensive investigation, with detectives canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage.

Through swift investigative efforts, authorities were able to identify Michael Dow as a suspect. With support from the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team and Narcotics Unit, investigators executed a search warrant at Dow’s residence later that same day. Dow was arrested without incident.

Dow now faces a series of serious criminal charges, including:

• Murder
• Trafficking in cocaine
• Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
• First-degree burglary

While an arrest has been made, Sheriff’s Office officials emphasized that the case remains active. “This is a major step forward in the investigation, but we are continuing to pursue leads,” a spokesperson for the department said. “We believe there may be more to uncover about what led to this violent confrontation.”

Officials have not released details about a possible motive, nor have they commented on whether Dow and Burleson knew each other prior to the incident. However, the added drug and burglary-related charges suggest that the crime may have involved more than just a personal dispute.

Dow is currently being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center as he awaits a bond hearing. It is not yet known if he has retained legal counsel.

Neighbors in the Lakeview area expressed shock and concern after news of the shooting broke. “It’s usually such a quiet place,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. “We’ve never seen anything like this on our street before.”

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward as they continue to piece together the events leading up to Burleson’s death.

This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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