Police ask for help in unsolved homicide

Photo provided

By JOE PERRY
Item Staff Writer
jperry@theitem.com

Sumter police are asking for the public's help in bringing forth closure to the lone unsolved homicide in city jurisdiction this year.

James Davis, 64, of 40 Robinson St., was found lying on the floor of his home unconscious and unresponsive about 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 by a friend who stopped by to check up on car repairs.

Davis was transported to Tuomey Regional Medical Center and died shortly thereafter.

"We're real concerned about taking murderers off the street," said Sumter Police Capt. Alvin Holston on Thursday, noting that the motive remains unclear at this time.

Shortly after Davis' death, police released a composite sketch of the suspect based on details provided by witnesses.

He is a black man about 6 feet tall who appeared to be in his 20s to 30s and was seen leaving the home before Davis was found.

"It's the one outstanding (homicide) case we have, and we're looking for the public's help. We hope somebody saw something, and we're counting on them to come forward and talk to us and do the right thing for the sake of the community," he said. "The only way to rid Sumter of crime — the public has to speak."

Anyone with information on the unidentified man depicted in the sketch is asked to contact the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at (803) 436-2718.

Callers can remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.