The quiet of a Sumter County morning was shattered on May 7, 2025, when the lifeless body of Robert Dustin Burleson was discovered inside his home, a victim of a fatal shooting that has left the community reeling. Hours later, authorities arrested 44-year-old Michael William Dow, a local resident of Old Field Road, charging him with murder and a string of additional felony offenses that paint a troubling picture of violence, drugs, and burglary. The arrest, executed with precision by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, marks a somber chapter in this South Carolina community, as investigators piece together the events leading to Burleson’s death.
Dow’s arrest came swiftly after deputies responded to a call at Burleson’s residence in the early hours of Wednesday. The scene they encountered prompted an immediate and thorough investigation, with law enforcement working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting. By mid-morning, authorities had identified Dow as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and a search of his home was conducted by a coordinated team, including the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Narcotics Unit. Dow surrendered without resistance, a moment Sheriff Anthony Dennis described as a critical step toward justice.
The charges against Dow are extensive and severe. In addition to murder, he faces accusations of trafficking in cocaine, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and first-degree burglary. According to Sheriff Dennis, the investigation suggests that Dow forcibly entered Burleson’s home, where a personal dispute escalated into a deadly confrontation. The fatal shooting, authorities believe, was a deliberate act, with evidence collected at both the crime scene and Dow’s residence supporting the allegations. Items recovered during the search reportedly included narcotics and weapons, which bolstered the additional charges.
Sheriff Dennis, addressing the public, expressed confidence that Dow acted alone in what he called a “senseless act of violence.” He commended the deputies and investigative teams for their rapid response, emphasizing the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable. “This was a tragic and deliberate event,” Dennis said, his words reflecting the weight of the loss felt by Burleson’s loved ones and the broader community. The investigation, while advanced, remains active, with authorities continuing to explore any additional details that might shed light on the motive or circumstances.
Burleson’s death adds to a troubling pattern of violent incidents in Sumter County, where Sheriff Dennis has previously noted challenges with gang- and drug-related crime. Though this case appears to stem from a personal conflict rather than organized criminal activity, the presence of drug trafficking charges against Dow underscores the persistent issue of narcotics in the region. The Sheriff’s Office has a history of aggressive action against such crimes, as evidenced by past operations like the 2017 “Operation Eclipse,” which resulted in 70 arrests for drug-related offenses.
Dow is currently detained without bond at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. For the community, the arrest offers a measure of closure, but the loss of Burleson lingers. As Sumter County grapples with this tragedy, the Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to come forward, reinforcing their dedication to safety and justice. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at (803) 436-2000 or Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com for anonymous tips. The road to healing will be long, but the resolve to seek justice remains unwavering.
