SUMTER COUNTY, SC – A man has been charged with murder following a deadly shooting in Sumter County, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
Demetrius Rico Fleming, 35, faces multiple charges, including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire near Brent Street and Whitehorse Road around 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday. While patrolling the area, officers heard another gunshot and discovered the victim, Chris Abrams, 56, suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities say EMS transported Abrams to Prisma Health Tuomey, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses told investigators that Fleming and Abrams were acquaintances involved in a physical altercation before Fleming allegedly pulled a firearm and shot Abrams.
Using a K-9 unit, deputies located and arrested Fleming, who was taken to the Sumter County Detention Center. He was denied bond as the investigation continues.