Shooting of medical assistant in Sumter: 2 arrested, 1 wanted

SUMTER, SC — Sumter authorities have arrested two people in connection with the shooting of a medical assistant who was caught in crossfire Monday afternoon, but the search for additional suspects continues.

In a press conference on Friday, Police Chief Russell Roark III announced the arrest of 20-year-old Travis Threll Rembert Jr., who was arrested during a traffic stop on Wednesday, and 26-year-old Kalvin Dontavious Epps, who was arrested on Monday shortly after the incident.

Rembert was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of marijuana with the intent to resell. Epps was charged with illegal possession of a weapon and possession of marijuana – second offense.

The arrests came after the killing of 59-year-old Blaine Alan Varner, a physician assistant at Tandem Health who was traveling in the area and was not involved in the incident, was struck by gunfire.

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

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

According to police, the suspects and their passengers got into their vehicles and a chase through the neighborhood began.

Varner was driving on North Purdy Street when he was struck by the gunfire, causing him to crash 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 offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

According to police, 18-year-old Di’Mitirus Ta’Lil “Lil Micky” Reed is wanted for murder and is considered armed and dangerous.

“We ask the public not to approach him, but if you see him, call us immediately,” Roark said. “It would be very helpful if you would tell us what he is wearing, where he is and what type of vehicle he may be driving.”

Sheriff Anthony Dennis added during the press conference that his office is supporting the ongoing investigations into this and other shootings in Sumter and surrounding areas of Sumter County.

“There have been a number of drive-by shootings here in the city and county of Sumter recently,” he said. “We have determined that these shootings are related to one another. The police chief and I have decided to combine our resources and personnel to actually combat these shootings in the city and county of Sumter.”

He added that he was confident that through their cooperation, the authorities would soon arrest the suspects.

Sumter Mayor David Merchant expressed his condolences to the victims of the recent shooting. He also praised the police, the sheriff’s office and everyone working to solve the case.

“There is still information that would help both departments close this case,” he said. “So we are asking the community, if you know anything or know anyone who has information, to call and … please help close the case for this family in our community in Sumter.”

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