Sumter County Man Michael William Dow Arrested and Indicted for Murder, Drug Trafficking, Burglary, and Weapons Offenses After Fatal Shooting of Robert Dustin Burleson in Apparent Personal Dispute
SUMTER COUNTY, SC — A 44-year-old Sumter County man has been arrested and charged in connection with a violent and fatal shooting that left a local resident dead and a quiet neighborhood in shock. Michael William Dow, of Old Field Road, was apprehended on May 7, 2025, and now faces a list of serious felony charges, including murder, cocaine trafficking, and weapons violations.
The arrest follows an intensive investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office into the death of Robert Dustin Burleson, a local man found shot to death inside his own home during the early morning hours of Wednesday. The discovery of Burleson’s body prompted a rapid and coordinated law enforcement response.
Charges Filed Against Dow
Authorities have charged Dow with the following offenses:
- Murder
- Trafficking in Cocaine
- Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime
- First-Degree Burglary
According to investigators, Dow is believed to have broken into Burleson’s residence and fatally shot him during a confrontation. While the precise motive remains under investigation, early indications suggest the incident stemmed from a personal dispute between the two men.
Arrest and Evidence Recovery
Later on the day of the murder, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), along with the department’s Narcotics Unit, executed a search warrant at Dow’s Old Field Road residence. Deputies arrested Dow at the scene without incident. During the search, law enforcement reportedly recovered critical evidence linking him to the crime, including firearms, narcotics, and items believed to have been used during the break-in.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis issued a statement following the arrest, commending the swift work of investigators and reassuring the public of the department’s commitment to community safety.
“We believe Mr. Dow acted alone in this senseless act of violence,” Sheriff Dennis stated. “This was a tragic and deliberate event, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served for the victim and his family.”
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The killing has deeply shaken residents of the normally quiet community, who described Burleson as a private individual but generally well-liked. Neighbors expressed concern about the violent nature of the crime and the underlying drug-related elements of the case.
“It’s heartbreaking. You don’t expect something like this to happen right next door,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’re all just stunned.”
Michael William Dow is currently being held without bond at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a grand jury in the coming weeks. If convicted on all counts, Dow could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on prosecutorial decisions and aggravating circumstances.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or arrests as more information becomes available. The sheriff’s office urges anyone with knowledge of the incident or Dow’s activities prior to the murder to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or online via the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office website.