A Manning man, initially wanted for questioning after an acquaintance was found dead inside a burning car, is now charged in connection to the case as the homicide investigation continues.
John Elliot Dingle, 27, of Manning, turned himself in to police today after warrants for arson-3rd degree and desecration of human remains were issued last week. Hewas booked at the county detention center, where bond was set at $50,000 surety with location monitoring.
Based on information gathered and preliminary autopsy findings, it was
determined that Willis Samuel Jr., 67, of Manning, was dead inside a car parked behind Eastwood Park apartment complex off Boulevard Road before it was set on fire by Dingle.
Officers and firefighters were called to the scene before 2:20 a.m. Dec. 31 when the car fire was reported. The manner of death has not been determined, and further autopsy results are pending.
The Sumter Police Department, Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. Law Enforcement Division and the Sumter County Coroner’s Office are working together to gather details that can help determine how and why Samuels was killed.
