Crime
44-year-old Michael William Dow arrested after deadly home shooting in Sumter County
SUMTER COUNTY, SC — A 44-year-old Sumter County man has been arrested and formally charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a local resident, along with several additional felony offenses.
Michael William Dow, a resident of Old Field Road in Sumter, was taken into custody on May 7, 2025, following the execution of an arrest warrant issued earlier that same day.
Dow faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Trafficking in Cocaine
- Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
- First-Degree Burglary
The arrest stems from an investigation into the death of Robert Dustin Burleson, whose body was found inside his home during the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and quickly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Burleson’s death.
Later that day, law enforcement personnel—including members of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Narcotics Unit—executed a search warrant at Dow’s residence. He was arrested without incident.
According to Sheriff Anthony Dennis, the investigation revealed that Dow allegedly broke into Burleson’s home and fatally shot him during what authorities believe was a personal dispute.
Evidence gathered at the scene and during the subsequent search led to Dow being charged with murder and additional crimes related to drugs and weapons.
Sheriff Dennis praised the efforts of the deputies and investigative teams for their swift and effective action.
“We believe Mr. Dow acted alone in this senseless act of violence,” said Sheriff Dennis. “This was a tragic and deliberate event, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”
Michael William Dow is currently being held without bond at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”