Coroner identifies man found dead in Sumter National Forest

A coroner released the identity of a man who was found dead with gunshot wounds in Sumter National Forest Monday morning.

Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton said the body of Jesse O. Sanders, 62, of Whitmire was found on the shoulder of U.S. 176 near Molly’s Rock Picnic Area. The picnic area is part of Sumter National Forest.

A motorist was on U.S. 176 by the area and noticed Sanders’ body about 7:30 a.m. Monday near King’s Creek.

An autopsy performed Tuesday morning determined multiple gunshot wounds caused Sanders’ death. The incident has been ruled a homicide.

Deputies, SLED officers and Whitmire police officers went to Sanders’ home on Byrd Street and discovered signs of a struggle throughout the house, according to a news release from Newberry County Sheriff’s Department.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said it appears the incident started at Sanders’ home and then he was taken to the location off of U.S. 176 by the suspect or suspects.

The sheriff’s department, SLED, Whitmire police and the coroner’s office continue to actively investigate this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Newberry County Sheriff's Office or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Coroner identifies man found dead in Sumter National Forest."