Maurice Tyrell Isaac Jr., 20, was found dead in a wooded area near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Industrial Road in Sumter, South Carolina, on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, 2026. A passerby located his partially burned body about 100 yards off the road, face down. Deputies and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division opened a homicide investigation; his family had been searching and posting on social media, which aided identification.

An autopsy on Wednesday, August 5 determined Isaac died from a single gunshot wound to the head and that his body had been set on fire. Investigators believe the killing occurred earlier the same day between 3 and 5 a.m. at a different location, and that he had been beaten before being shot. Authorities described the manner of the killing as suggesting a message and said the homicide appeared to be gang-related; the ATF Gang Task Force joined the probe.

On Saturday, August 8 the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22-year-old Equate Syquell Bell of Sumter and charged him with murder; officials said they expected additional charges as the investigation continued. Know anything about Maurice, his movements that weekend, or anyone connected to this area that could help investigators?