Autopsy shows 2 people whose bodies were found in a burning vehicle in Sumter were killed by homicide

Based on the autopsies performed Wednesday at MUSC in Charleston, the deaths of two individuals, a male and female, who were found inside a fully engulfed vehicle on Foxville Road Monday have been ruled homicides.

Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said the male died from blunt force trauma to the head, and the female died from a single apparent gunshot wound to the head.

At this time, Baker said it is unknown if the homicides took place where the bodies were found or somewhere else.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is working with Richland County Sheriff’s Office and SLED to investigate the homicides and arson, as well as to identify the victims, according to Deputy Adrienne Sarvis, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.

Baker said DNA testing will be done over the next several days to help determine who the victims are.

Based on preliminary information, the vehicle was registered in Richland County.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sumter County Sheriff's Office at (803) 436-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Tips can also be submitted electronically by going to www.p3tips.com.