Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide of a missing Summerton man whose body was found in a wooded area of Clarendon County earlier this month.
The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded shortly after 7:30 p.m. on April 14 to a dirt road in the Home Branch community after a passerby reported seeing what appeared to be a body in the woods. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the discovery and launched a homicide investigation.
The victim was identified as 25-year-old Tyrese Najae Lawson of the Summerton area. Lawson had been reported missing by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office after he was last seen in the Santee area of Orangeburg County on April 10.
Investigators from the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Crime Scene Unit processed the scene. The Clarendon County Coroner’s Office responded and later met with Lawson’s family. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Lawson’s vehicle, a black 2010 Nissan Altima bearing South Carolina tag number WPP-671, was initially missing but was recovered on April 21, according to authorities.
In partnership with Sumter Crimestoppers, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office is now offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Midlands Crimestoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372), visiting midlandscrimestoppers.com, or submitting tips through the P3 Tips app available at clarendon-sheriff.org. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Information can also be provided directly to the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office Tipline at 803-433-8477 for those who do not wish to remain anonymous or seek a reward.
The investigation remains ongoing and involves the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and SLED.
