‘We’re coming to get you,' says Sheriff Dennis to those responsible for death of Maurice Isaac
Victim was beaten and shot before being burned; authorities say incident is gang-related
The body of a 20-year-old Sumter man was beaten, shot, burned and left in a wooded area to be discovered by deputies Saturday afternoon. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office now thinks the killing was gang-related.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis held a news conference at the agency’s office on Thursday, Aug. 6, to discuss details of the investigation into the killing of Maurice Tyrell Isaac, 20.
Isaac was identified after deputies responded to a 911 call reporting what appeared to be a burned body near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Industrial Road at about 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. Deputies found Isaac’s body face down about 100 yards off the roadway, Dennis said.
Using surveillance footage from that area to establish a timeline, investigators think Isaac was killed in the early morning hours -– between 3 and 5 a.m. –- elsewhere before his body was brought to the woods to be set on fire. An autopsy performed on Wednesday, Aug. 5, confirmed Isaac died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Dennis confirmed the killing appeared to be gang-related, though he declined to identify the gang or discuss evidence that supported that conclusion given the ongoing investigation. He did say gun violence is prevalent in the area where Isaac’s body was found.
“It’s troublesome to me and the whole staff that someone who had been not only beaten, but shot and then burned,” Dennis said. “We are looking at this as almost a message being sent to someone.”
Although Isaac was not reported missing, Dennis said family members had been searching for him and made posts on social media about his whereabouts.
“We have spoken with the family and, of course, the loss of a loved one, [they are] being affected by that, but they have total confidence in our office and our investigation,” Dennis said. “I will go on the record [and say] I'm confident that we will be bringing these individuals to justice.”
“We’re coming to get you,” Dennis said to those responsible. “I can promise you that we will identify you and we will take you into custody and prosecute you to the fullest.”
Dennis said the killing is thought to be an isolated incident.
“This really upsets me that something like this has occurred in Sumter County. I'm the sheriff, I'm sworn to protect and serve the citizens of this county, and I'm really upset. Any homicide is traumatic and difficult for any family to deal with, but the manner of how this was done — I’d say the message was sent, and I can let them know that the Sumter County Sheriff's Office received that message.”
The sheriff’s office has seen an increase in gun violence among youth. Dennis said Isaac’s death only affirms the agency will continue to “be proactive in talking with youth in our schools and in our community” about gun violence.
SLED and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the sheriff’s office at (803) 436-2000.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to www.p3tips.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.