Sumter Medical Assistant Shooting: 2 Arrested, 1 Wanted

Lina PortmanMay 25, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office is also assisting in the investigation into this and other shootings in the area.

SUMTER, S.C. — Authorities in Sumter have made two arrests in the shooting death of a medical assistant who was caught in crossfire Monday afternoon. But the search for other suspects continues.

During a press briefing Friday, Police Chief Russell Roark III announced the arrests of Travis Threll Rembert Jr., 20, who was arrested Wednesday during a traffic stop, and Kalvin Dontavious Epps, 26, arrested on Monday, shortly after the incident.

Rembert was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Epps was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana – second offense.

Arrests follow murder of Blaine Alan Varner, 59, a physician assistant at Tandem Health who was driving in the area and was not involved in the incident, was struck by gunfire.

“I didn’t know it when he left his house that day, it was his last day,” Rourk said. “His last opportunity to tell his wife and family that he cared and loved them. His last opportunity to see a sunrise and a sunset. His last opportunity to live.”

Investigators said they have since learned that the incident began with a planned gun deal between two of the suspects at a home on West Oakland Avenue. Authorities said that during the sale, a white GMC pickup truck drove by and someone inside opened fire.

Police said the suspects got into their vehicles with passengers and a chase began through the neighborhood.

Varner was driving on North Purdy Street and was hit by gunfire, crashing into a brick fence on Saratoga Street. He died Tuesday, police said.

The police chief said his office and the Sumter County Sheriff's Office are searching for additional suspects. His office identified a third suspect and announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Police say Di'Mitirus Ta'Lil “Lil Micky” Reed, 18, is wanted for murder and considered armed and dangerous.

“We are asking the public not to approach him, but if they see him, to call us immediately,” Roark said. “It would be very helpful if they informed us how he is dressed, where he is, what type of vehicle he is driving.”

Sheriff Anthony Dennis added during the news conference that his office is assisting with ongoing investigations into this and other shootings that have occurred in and around Sumter County.

“Recently we've had a rash of drive-by shootings here in the city and county of Sumter,” he said. “We have determined that these shootings are related to each other. The chief and I have decided to combine our resources and our personnel to really attack these shootings that we are having in the city and County of Sumter.”

He added that he was confident that the agencies, working together, would soon have the suspects in custody.

Sumter Mayor David Merchant offered his condolences to those affected by the latest shooting. He also praised the police department, sheriff's office and everyone who worked to solve the case.

“There is still information that could help both departments close this case,” he said. “So we're asking the community, if you know anything, if you know anyone that has – may have any information, to please call and… please help bring closure to this family in our community in Sumter.”