Dillon County Authorities Investigate Fatal Shooting of Local Man on Highway 301
DILLON, S.C. — The Dillon County community is reeling following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of 52-year-old Burnie Ray Townsend of Dillon on Monday morning, November 3, 2025. According to the Dillon County Coroner’s Office, Townsend was identified as the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred around 8:00 a.m. at the 24 Hour Spot, a local convenience store and gathering place located along Highway 301 in Dillon.
Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley confirmed that Townsend succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite rapid response and emergency life-saving efforts. When officers from the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the location, they found Townsend suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted to stabilize him, but he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Witnesses at the scene told authorities that the shooting occurred following what appeared to be an altercation or heated argument involving Townsend and at least one other individual. According to early reports, the confrontation escalated quickly, and gunfire erupted outside the business in the store’s parking area. Customers inside the store reportedly ducked for cover as multiple shots rang out.
Law enforcement immediately secured the area, blocking off a section of Highway 301 as investigators collected evidence. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) was called in to assist the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office in processing the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras.
Preliminary findings suggest that the altercation was not random, and detectives believe the victim and suspect may have known each other prior to the incident. However, no suspect names have been publicly released, and authorities have not announced any arrests as of Wednesday.
Residents familiar with the area described the 24 Hour Spot as a long-standing convenience store that serves as a frequent stop for early-morning commuters and locals. Several community members who gathered near the taped-off scene expressed shock and sadness over the loss of Townsend, who was known as a friendly and hardworking individual.
“He was always polite, always had a smile on his face,” said one local resident who frequented the store. “It’s heartbreaking to know something like this happened right here in our small town.”
According to friends and relatives, Burnie Ray Townsend was a lifelong resident of Dillon County. He had worked various jobs in construction and maintenance and was known for helping others in his neighborhood. Family members described him as kind-hearted and dependable, someone who could be counted on in times of need. His sudden passing has left the Townsend family devastated and the community mourning.
Coroner Grimsley confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted later this week at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston to determine the precise cause and manner of death, though preliminary findings confirm that gunshot injuries were responsible.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have been in or near the 24 Hour Spot around 8:00 a.m. on Monday or who may have seen a suspicious person or vehicle leaving the area.
The Dillon County Sheriff’s Office stated that it is treating the case as an active homicide investigation and emphasized that every lead will be pursued. Sheriff’s deputies are also coordinating with state forensic experts to analyze ballistic evidence recovered from the scene.
Community leaders in Dillon have called for peace and unity in the aftermath of the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is being organized by local residents to honor Townsend’s memory and to show support for his grieving family.
As of now, the motive behind the fatal altercation remains under investigation. Authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation, hoping that surveillance footage and witness testimony will soon provide answers and lead to justice for Burnie Ray Townsend.
Townsend’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him — a reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is for communities to come together in times of sorrow.