1 man arrested in killing

ARRESTED: Lakiem Davar Butler

By JASON WERMERS
Item Staff Writer
jwermers@theitem.com

One of two suspects in a Wednesday evening fatal shooting turned himself in on Monday, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said.

Lakiem Davar Butler, 19, whose last-known address was in Camden, arrived at the Sumter City-County Law Enforcement shortly before noon and was arrested without incident, the sheriff said.

Butler was taken to Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center on a murder charge and is awaiting a bond hearing.

Another suspect, Anogory Santrell Slater, 22, is still at large. His last-known address was 7471 Bennett Drive, Rembert. He is described as black, 6 feet, 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He also is charged with murder, and the sheriff's office said anyone seeing him should use caution, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

According to sheriff's office reports, Christopher Davis, 37, was shot to death about 10:25 p.m. on Wednesday after three men wearing dark clothing entered his home at 5230 DuBose Siding Road. He was pronounced dead by Sumter County Deputy Coroner Bob Lybrand at 10:50 p.m. from multiple gunshot wounds to the arm.

WANTED: Anogory Santrell Slater

A Lee County native who had recently moved to Sumter, Davis became an international celebrity at the age of 16 when he reported the first sighting of the legendary Lizard Man of Lee County in July 1988.

Dennis said the homicide was drug-related. A narcotics officer recovered 10 grams of marijuana and two scales from the kitchen of the home, the sheriff said.

The sheriff's office said five other people were present at the time of the shooting. They were Davis' girlfriend, his brother, the brother's friend, Davis' 12-year-old daughter and his 14-year-old son, who witnessed the shooting. No one was injured.

Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call the sheriff's office at 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at 436-2718. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Contact Staff Writer Jason Wermers at jwermers@theitem.com or (803) 774-1295.