Dillon, South Carolina — The Dillon County Coroner’s Office has identified the 52-year-old man who was murdered in a Monday morning shooting.
Coroner Donnie Grimsley said that Burnie Ray Townsend of Dillon died in the incident. It occurred around 8 a.m. amid an incident at the 24 Hour Spot on Highway 301 in Dillon.
Police Chief David Lane announced Monday that investigators had identified a person of interest but had not revealed any identities.
Dorian Thomas, the store’s manager, said Townsend was well-known in the town and came in every morning to help out. He was recognized as a kind and sincere individual.
“I was devastated; I couldn’t believe it was him. I couldn’t believe it—what could he have done to provoke someone to do that to him?” Dorian Thomas stated. “I honestly couldn’t believe it. “It hurt my heart.”
