$5,000 reward offered for information in Sumter man's death

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A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that can help authorities make an arrest and bring some solace to the family and friends of Chester “Rock” Stavis, who died of an apparent gunshot wound to the chest last month.

The body of Stavis, 31, was found at about 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 in a waterway near Rast and Dicks streets almost a week after he was last seen leaving his house on Albert Spears Drive.

His death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy was performed at MUSC in Charleston, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker.

Where and when he was shot and why are not known, said Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for Sumter Police Department.

Since November, police have questioned 70-year-old Carter Strother, who is the last known person seen with Stavis before his body was found.

Strother was interviewed by city officers after he was arrested on Nov. 28 by Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputies for unrelated stalking and assault and battery charges.

However, officers have determined he was not involved in or had knowledge of the shooting, McGirt said.

Anyone with information about what happened to Stavis is asked to call Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted electronically to Crime Stoppers by logging onto www.P3tips.com and clicking on the “Submit a New Tip” tab or by downloading the P3 Tips app.