Sumter sheriff’s office asks public for help solving 2022 murder investigation

Nearly a year has passed since the shooting death of Stephen Collins, and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office are still looking for answers.

The sheriff’s office is seeking the public's help with information about the morning of July 8, 2022, when Collins, 81, of Edgehill Road, was found dead inside his home, according to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer.

Employees of Collins’ Tree Service arrived at his home early that July morning to work when they discovered he had been shot several times. Deputies arrived and confirmed Collins was a victim of homicide, Bordeaux said.

Upon initial investigation, there was one person who remembered hearing shots between 10-10:30 p.m. the night before.

Deputies have continued to follow leads, but an arrest has not been made.

A reward is being offered for any information that may lead to an arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for the death of Collins.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Josh Phillips at (803) 436-2004 or Crimestoppers at (803) 436-2700 to remain anonymous