Sumter police seek location of man wanted for questioning in case where body was found

Now that the body found near railroad tracks in the city on Saturday has been identified, authorities are working to locate a person he was seen with before his death.

Raphael Bostic, 29, of Columbia, was found dead at about 1:15 p.m. Saturday down an embankment from railroad tracks near Cooks and South streets, according to Tonyia McGirt, Sumter Police Department public information officer.

An autopsy determined Bostic died of a gunshot wound, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said. His next of kin have been notified.

Bostic was last seen Friday driving his car in Columbia, McGirt said, accompanied by Matthew Tyrell Simmons, who is now wanted for questioning as police work to determine who killed Bostic and why.

Simmons, 27, of Sumter, is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds and has brown eyes and hair.

McGirt said police are also looking for Bostic’s car, a metallic green 2010 Honda Accord with S.C. license tag LYN 285.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700.

Information can be given anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by going to www.P3tips.com and clicking on the “Submit a New Tip” tab or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.