Body found near vacant home, Sumter police say

The Sumter Police Department is investigating a shooting incident after a body was found near a vacant home.

According to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the department, officers were called at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday after an unconscious person was found between West Fulton Street and South Sumter Street.

Laquinton Donell Laster, 36, of Lawson Street, has been identified as the victim.

One person is in custody and faces charges, McGirt said. The shooting is considered isolated and resulted from a dispute among acquaintances.

Warrants are expected to be issued for another person alleged to be involved in the incident, McGirt said. The police department did not release names of the suspcts.

Laster’s family members were notified by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office, and an autopsy is scheduled for next week.

Officers are still developing information that can help determine circumstances and if others were involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436 – 2700 or submit tips anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, online at P3tips.com or by downloading the P3 Tips app for mobile devices.