In late summer 2019, a vehicle fire in Lincolnville, South Carolina, led investigators to a more troubling discovery. On August 27, 2019, firefighters found the body of 20-year-old Robert Rutlin inside the burning car. An autopsy determined he died of a gunshot wound, and the death was investigated as a homicide.

Within days of the discovery, authorities arrested Tyrell Cleveland and charged him with murder and with possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with Rutlin’s death. The case moved through the Charleston County courts, went to trial in September 2021, and a jury returned a guilty verdict. Cleveland was sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in Rutlin’s death.

Anyone who knew Robert Rutlin, his movements in August 2019, or who has information that could shed light on the events leading to that night is asked to come forward.