Sumter County sheriff says arrest coming after new info in 2008 case
Way was found dead of gunshot in his home
Eleven years after Charles Way's death in 2008, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said there has been a recent change in new developments in the investigation this year.
On Aug. 18, 2008, Charles Way was found in his home on Grace Lane by one of his daughters, who went to check on him after he didn't answer calls from the family earlier that day.
When found, he was unresponsive and had sustained a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Gunshot residue was found around the wound, indicating Way, who was shirtless, was shot at close range, said sheriff's office Public Information Officer Adrienne Sarvis.
Investigators said there were no signs of a struggle inside the residence, and Way's family said he would not have answered the door without a shirt unless there was an emergency or he knew the person.
Way's valuables had not been removed. These elements led investigators to think a more personal motive was the cause for the shooting. Investigators are even more confident in this theory given the recent information that was provided, Sarvis said.
This newest push for information is said to bring together the final pieces of this investigation and close this case, bringing closure to Way's surviving family, Sarvis said.
Way's two daughters said losing a parent in such a violent way has been difficult to accept and leaves them to live with the fear of knowing the suspect is still out there, Sarvis said.
"I'm still confident, especially with this new information, that we will make an arrest," Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. "It's time to give the family closure."
Anyone who can provide information about the death of Charles Way - whether it involves events before or after the incident - is asked to call the sheriff's office at (803) 436-2040 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers can remain anonymous.
Information can also be given anonymously by going to www.p3tips.com.