Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Sumter County deputies say a man arrested in Richland County is a suspect in the killing of a man found dead in Lake Marion last month.
Stephen Stinnette, 31, was taken into custody after a brief chase Friday afternoon.
Deputies put out a be on the lookout bulletin for him after he was spotted in the Two Notch Road/Parklane Road area in Richland County. However, less than 20 minutes later, they announced he was in custody.
Sumter deputies say they have a murder warrant for Stinnette in connection with the discovery of the body of 24-year-old Jerry Lamars Johnson. Johnson had been reported missing back on April 24, and a day later, his body was found a day later in a cove near Indian Bluff Park in Lake Marion.
Sumter, Clarendon and Orangeburg authorities have been investigating jointly to solve the crime. they say they are still investigating and other arrests are a possibility.
A news conference is planned for Monday to discuss additional details of the arrest.