BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — The Lee County Sheriff's Office said on Monday that it had made two arrests in connection with a murder that happened in a restaurant parking lot in early February.
According to Sheriff Daniel Simon, 41-year-old Michael Dinkins and 32-year-old Byron Miller have been charged with murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery in connection with the deadly armed robbery that happened on Feb. 6 at the Kentucky Fried Chicken at 1073 Sumter Highway in Bishopville.
In Monday's announcement, the sheriff's office said the victims, Lonnie Ray and Mickey Wilkes, went to the restaurant to sell a French bulldog. However, they were instead met with gunfire and robbed of the dog.
Ray, who was struck by multiple bullets, died from his injuries. Wilkes was uninjured, the sheriff said.
Sheriff Simon said that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted in the investigation as did the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office. Despite the arrests, the sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
Both Miller and Dinkins had their bond denied and remain at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Detention Center.
The dog hasn't yet been found.
Anyone with additional information about the case is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 803-484-5353.