1 dead, 3 injured in shooting at Sumter home running illegal business

Suspect killed, one remains at large after exchange of gunfire

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One person is dead and three others injured after shots were exchanged Thursday night at a home tied to illegal gambling and alcohol sales.

Florentino Wilson, 57, of West Red Bay Road, was pronounced dead after being transported to Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital with two patrons of the illegal business on Wright Street. Nathaniel Alford, 42, of Dalzell, and Shanta McGee, 23, of Sumter, were both treated and have since been released, according to the Sumter Police Department.

A fourth person, Deshawn Gregg, 28, of Sumter, was taken by personal vehicle to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition, the police department’s public information officer, Tonyia McGirt, said.

An initial investigation shows two suspects, Wilson and an unidentified man, were at the residence earlier in the night and returned for unknown reasons. A patron who opened the door reportedly saw one of the men was armed, prompting an exchange of gunfire at about 11:30 p.m.

McGirt said at least eight other people were at the residence at the time of the shooting but were not injured.

McGirt told The Sumter Item investigators are gathering details and determining possible charges in connection to both the gunfire and illegal gambling and alcohol sales.

While there are some exceptions for official horse races, casino cruises and the South Carolina Education Lottery, gambling is illegal statewide. State law requires a license or permit to sell alcohol.

McGirt emphasized the public’s help is wanted in identifying the man who was with Wilson.

Wilson’s family has been notified by the Sumter County Coroner’s Office, and an autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday at MUSC in Charleston.

This is the 15th homicide overall in Sumter County this year. Nine have occurred within city limits. In 2018, there were seven homicides.

Anyone with information about the incident, which remains under investigation, or the second suspect is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

A cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

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