Authorities are working to determine where Maurice Tyrell Isaac was killed before his body was found in woods Aug. 1.
SUMTER, S.C. — Surveillance footage and assistance from state and federal law enforcement are helping Sumter County investigators reconstruct the killing of 20-year-old Maurice Tyrell Isaac, whose body was discovered in a wooded area Aug. 1.
Investigators believe Isaac was killed at a different location before his body was transported to woods near Cedar Avenue and Industrial Road, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. Authorities are treating the case as a homicide linked to gang activity, while also describing the killing as an isolated incident. No suspects or arrests had been announced in the latest reports reviewed.
A resident found Isaac’s body around 5 p.m. Aug. 1 about 100 yards into the woods and contacted authorities. Deputies responded to the area, and the Sumter County Coroner’s Office later identified Isaac, a Sumter County resident.
Coroner Robbie Baker said an autopsy determined Isaac died from a gunshot wound. Investigators said he also had been beaten and that his body was later burned. The findings led authorities to focus on identifying the original crime scene and determining how Isaac was moved to the location where he was discovered.
Dennis said deputies obtained surveillance footage from the surrounding area that has helped narrow the timeframe in which Isaac’s body was brought to the woods. Officials have not publicly described what the video shows, identified the source of the recordings or said whether any vehicles or people of interest can be seen.
The sheriff said investigators have information about the location where they believe Isaac was killed but are withholding details while the investigation continues. Authorities have not announced a precise time of death or released a full account of Isaac’s whereabouts before the homicide.
Isaac’s relatives had been searching for him around the time his body was found, according to Dennis. However, authorities said he had not been formally reported missing before the discovery. That left investigators to establish his recent movements through evidence, interviews and other information gathered after the homicide investigation began.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting local investigators. Dennis also said the ATF Gang Task Force was asked to help. Investigators have not publicly disclosed the evidence behind the suspected gang connection or named any organization they believe may have been involved.
People living near the area where Isaac was found expressed surprise after learning of the homicide. One nearby resident interviewed by ABC Columbia said serious incidents were uncommon in the immediate neighborhood. Dennis said investigators do not believe the discovery indicates a broader threat to residents and have characterized the case as isolated.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify who killed Isaac, establish the full sequence of events and determine why his body was taken to the wooded area. Officials have said they are continuing to seek information from the public while withholding some evidence to protect the investigation.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 10, 2026.