SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Sumter County authorities are asking for any information that may help them put an 81-year-old man's killer behind bars.
On July 8, 2022, Stephen Edward Collins was found murdered in his home on Edgehill Road. His employees had come to his home to work. He had been shot several times and appeared to already be dead.
Collins operated Collins' Tree Service at the home, officials said, and he lived alone but was involved in his church.
In the months that have passed, the sheriff's office said it has followed all leads but none have led to an arrest. So, they're asking the public to provide even the most insignificant of details in hopes that they might bring his killer to justice.
Authorities shared on Friday that one person reported possibly hearing gunshots the night before he was found - between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on July 7, 2022.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Sgt. Josh Phillips at 803-436-2004 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Tipsters can also visit CrimeSC.com to report information regarding crime in the South Carolina Midlands.
A reward is currently being offered but the amount was not disclosed.