The investigation began with a missed day of work and ended days later with an Interstate 95 pursuit.
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. — A five-day search for a man accused of killing his 75-year-old grandmother ended after a woman spotted him near the Florence County community where the victim lived and alerted deputies, helping set in motion a pursuit that crossed into Dillon County.
The arrest of 21-year-old Isaiah Alexander Hunter followed a case that began not with a 911 report of violence but with concern from people who knew Lorestine Dubose Hunter. Family members and co-workers became worried when she did not report to work and asked deputies to check on her Sharon Road home. Officers found her dead inside on Sept. 23, and the coroner identified her as the victim of a shooting.
Investigators allege Isaiah Hunter forced his way into his grandmother’s home around Sept. 22 and shot her. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants the following day. Authorities have charged him with murder, first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and financial offenses. Those allegations remain pending in court.
The search continued until Sept. 28, when a woman who lives in the area said she noticed a black vehicle that appeared to belong to Lorestine Hunter. The woman, who asked a television station not to identify her, said she recognized Isaiah Hunter behind the wheel and contacted the sheriff’s office after the vehicle left the area.
Deputies later found Hunter, who authorities said was driving his grandmother’s vehicle. Investigators said he fled when officers moved to arrest him, beginning a pursuit from Florence County onto northbound Interstate 95. The chase continued into Dillon County and ended near mile marker 190, close to the North Carolina state line, after the vehicle crashed.
Authorities said Hunter attempted to run after the crash but was taken into custody with the help of a sheriff’s office police dog. The arrest ended the search that had begun after investigators identified him as a suspect in his grandmother’s death. The South Carolina Highway Patrol took responsibility for investigating the pursuit and crash.
The case also includes allegations involving Lorestine Hunter’s finances. The sheriff’s office alleges Isaiah Hunter used her Cash App account without permission and transferred about $3,500. Published reports list financial identity fraud and financial transaction card fraud among the charges filed against him.
Neighbors described Lorestine Hunter as a longtime member of the community. Calvin Wilson, who said he had worked with her, called her death shocking and described her as “a nice person.” Another former co-worker said Hunter was known for helping others. Reports said she had lived in the area for more than 30 years.
Funeral information published by Draper G. Myers Mortuary lists Lorestine Dubose Hunter’s date of death as Sept. 23. A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Darlington.
Isaiah Hunter was denied bond during a court appearance Sept. 29 and remains at the Florence County Detention Center. A reported Jan. 26 circuit court appearance is the next publicly identified court date, while the murder and related allegations remain unresolved.
Author note: Last updated October 1, 2026.