1 arrested in connection to fatal shooting of 43-year-old Sumter man

A local man is in custody in connection to the death of a 43-year-old man found shot in his home.

Michael William Dow, 44, of Sumter, was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon, May 7, and charged in connection to the death of 43-year-old Robert Burleson. Dow was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and first-degree burglary as well as trafficking cocaine, according to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer with Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday morning, deputies responded to a home along Dink Street where they found Burleson unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker.

According to Sheriff Anthony Dennis, evidence indicated Dow broke into Burleson’s home and shot him during a personal dispute.

Dow was taken to Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he remains without bond.

Dennis commended the work of deputies and investigators that led to Dow’s arrest.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information that may be helpful is asked to contact the sheriff's office at (803) 436-2000 or submit information to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may earn a reward.