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Cause of death released after missing Sumter County man found dead

Slater was a hard worker, his mother says. He was recently promoted to manager at a McDonald's.

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have released the cause of death of a Sumter County man found dead over the weekend. 

Sumter County Sheriff's deputies say 23-year-old Derrick Slater was found dead along Scales Road around 11 a.m. Saturday, and his death was ruled suspicious. Slater had been reported missing on October 22.

RELATED: Missing Sumter man found dead, ruled suspicious

An autopsy performed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston Monday revealed the cause of death to be a gunshot wound, according to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker.

Officials had ruled Slater's death as suspicious and said it appears to be the result of a robbery. Officials said persons of interest have been identified in this case, but wouldn't release the names to the public. 

Hundreds attended a candle light vigil on Sunday in honor of "Snacks" Slater on Sunday. During the vigil, 23 balloons were released in honor of his 23 years of life.  

RELATED: Hundreds attend candle light vigil for missing Sumter County man found dead

"I don't understand, I don't know what happened. I don't know what went wrong," said Slater's mother, Shandel Porter. Porter says her son was a big teddy bear, and never harmed a soul.

RELATED: 'He was a loving young man': Sumter County mother remembers son's life

Slater was a hard worker, his mother says. He was recently promoted to manager at a McDonald's in Camden. 

Slater was about to become a first-time father. His baby boy is due November 29.

A Rembert native and graduate of Crestwood High School, Slater's dream was to be a rapper and promoter.

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