Sumter woman found dead, 50-year-old suspect charged with murder

Woman's 2-year-old, son of suspect, found safe in apartment

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A Sumter woman was found dead inside her apartment Wednesday night, and the father of her child has been charged with murder.

According to a news release from the Sumter Police Department, officers and Sumter County EMS were called to 36 Friendship Apartments after 36-year-old Lois Smith was found by a friend inside her home.

After being unable to reach Smith since sometime Tuesday, family and friends became concerned, according to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department, in the release. Smith’s 2-year-old child also was found inside the home but was not injured.

The father of the child, 50-year-old Alonzo Shaw, of Sally Street in Wedgefield, was taken into custody Wednesday night and charged with murder early Thursday morning.

The Sumter County Coroner’s Office has notified Smith’s next of kin. An autopsy is planned for Thursday morning.

According to the release, Shaw may face additional charges as the investigation continues.