Burnie Ray Townsend, 52, was killed on the morning of Monday, November 3, 2025, after intervening to break up an altercation at the 24 Hour Spot convenience store on Highway 301 in Dillon, South Carolina. According to authorities, gunshots were fired during the disturbance; Townsend was found with gunshot wounds, transported to a nearby hospital, and pronounced dead. The Dillon County coroner ruled the death a homicide by gunshot wound.

Townsend is described as a well-known, devoted family man active in his church, The Word Church of Jesus Christ, who worked at a 24-hour BP and enjoyed shooting pool and dogs. Investigators used store surveillance footage and witness statements to identify 25-year-old Joatur Blakely as a suspect; a murder warrant was issued, authorities warned he should be considered armed and dangerous, and he later surrendered to law enforcement.

Does anyone in Dillon remember Townsend or have information about the events at the 24 Hour Spot that morning?