2nd suspect charged in connection to killing of Maurice Isaac in August

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a second suspect in the killing of Maurice Isaac in August.

Kenneth Nelson was taken into custody on Thursday, Oct. 8, on an outstanding warrant for murder, according to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.

According to earlier reporting, Isaac, 20, was identified on Aug. 1 after deputies responded to a 911 call reporting what appeared to be a burned body near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Industrial Road. Isaac’s body was found face down about 100 yards off the roadway. 

Using surveillance footage from that area to establish a timeline, investigators think Isaac was killed in the early morning hours -– between 3 and 5 a.m. –- elsewhere before his body was brought to the woods to be set on fire. An autopsy performed on Aug. 5 confirmed Isaac died from a gunshot wound to the head. 

During a news conference on Aug. 6, Dennis confirmed the killing appeared to be gang-related, though he declined to identify the gang or discuss evidence that supported that conclusion given the ongoing investigation. 

Equate Syquell Bell, 22, was taken into custody on Saturday, Aug. 8, and also charged with the murder of Isaac. 

An investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office anticipates additional arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (803) 436-2000 or submit tips to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters may remain anonymous and earn a reward.