SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. — Tragic Argument Turns Deadly in Rembert Community, One Man Charged with Murder
The Sumter County community is reeling after a deadly shooting on Saturday afternoon that claimed the life of 51-year-old Rodney China. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to a call around 3:45 p.m. on Louis Circle in the Rembert area, where they discovered China deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
According to investigators, what began as a verbal disagreement between China and another man quickly spiraled out of control. Witnesses told deputies that the two men — China and 38-year-old Quinshan Dais — were engaged in an argument that escalated into a physical fight. During the altercation, Dais allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire, striking China multiple times.
Deputies and emergency personnel attempted to assist upon arrival, but China was pronounced dead at the scene. Following a swift investigation and witness accounts, authorities identified Dais as the primary suspect. He was later taken into custody without incident and transported to the Sumter County Jail, where he is now being held on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Sheriff Anthony Dennis expressed both sorrow and frustration over the senseless loss of life, calling the incident “avoidable and unnecessary.”
“It was an argument that could have remained civil,” Sheriff Dennis stated. “Instead, the argument turned into assault, and the suspect then resorted to deadly force. Now, one man is gone, and another faces life-altering consequences. It didn’t have to end this way.”
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the chain of events that led to the tragic outcome.
Friends and neighbors in the Rembert area described China as a familiar face in the community — a man known for his easygoing personality and friendly demeanor. The shocking nature of his death has left many residents struggling to comprehend how a simple dispute could lead to such irreversible tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning yet another act of senseless violence that has forever changed two families — one grieving a beloved member, and the other facing the devastating consequences of an irreversible decision.
Dais remains in custody at the Sumter County Detention Center pending a bond hearing, while the Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
Authorities continue to remind residents about the importance of de-escalation and conflict resolution — a message that resonates deeply in the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss.
