Based on initial evidence and witness accounts from neighbors who reported hearing arguing followed by several loud gunshots, law enforcement officers quickly began piecing together the sequence of events. Surveillance footage from nearby properties captured a dark-colored pickup truck leaving the area at high speed around the estimated time of the murder. That vehicle was later linked to Dow through traffic camera identification and subsequent forensic analysis.

By 1:30 p.m. on May 7, armed with probable cause and supported by a signed arrest warrant, officers with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (SERT), along with narcotics detectives, descended on Dow’s residence on Old Field Road.

He was taken into custody without incident.

Charges Against Michael William Dow

Dow has been formally charged with:

• Murder: In the death of Robert Dustin Burleson
• First-Degree Burglary: For the unlawful entry into Burleson’s home with intent to commit a violent crime
• Trafficking in Cocaine: Following the discovery of over 50 grams of cocaine during the search of Dow’s residence
• Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime: A semiautomatic handgun, suspected to be the murder weapon, was found under the floorboards in his garage

The arrest affidavit revealed that detectives recovered digital messages exchanged between Dow and Burleson in the days leading up to the shooting. Authorities now believe the homicide stemmed from a heated personal dispute, potentially involving a financial or narcotics-related disagreement.

Who Was Robert Dustin Burleson?

Robert Dustin Burleson, known affectionately by friends as “Dusty,” was a well-liked and respected member of the community. The 38-year-old worked as a licensed general contractor and had recently launched his own remodeling business, “Burleson Renovations.” He was also involved with youth mentorship programs, volunteering to teach trade skills to local teenagers.

“Dusty was the type of person who would show up for a friend at 2 a.m. if they needed help,” said longtime friend Terrence Wilkes. “He had his struggles like anyone else, but he was trying to build something positive.”

Burleson had no significant criminal history and was not considered a person of interest in any ongoing investigations at the time of his death. However, investigators have not ruled out the possibility that he may have been indirectly entangled in narcotics activity through associations or past dealings.

The Alleged Perpetrator: Michael William Dow

Michael William Dow, 44, has a checkered history with the law. Public records indicate prior arrests dating back to 2011, including charges of possession of a controlled substance, assault, and illegal weapons possession. While most of these charges were either dropped or adjudicated with probation, Dow remained on the radar of law enforcement officials, particularly the Narcotics Unit.

Sources close to the investigation say Dow had been under intermittent surveillance due to suspected trafficking activities. The search of his residence yielded not only cocaine but also cash bundles totaling over $27,000, two unregistered firearms, several burner phones, and ledgers containing names and monetary amounts—presumed to be drug transaction records.

Sheriff Anthony Dennis Speaks Out

In a press briefing held on the morning of May 8, 2025, Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis addressed the public regarding the homicide and Dow’s arrest.

“This was a senseless, deliberate act of violence that has shaken our community,” Sheriff Dennis said. “We believe Michael William Dow acted alone, and thanks to the diligence of our deputies and investigators, he is now in custody where he belongs.”

Sheriff Dennis noted that the investigation is far from over. “We are currently looking into Dow’s associations and whether this incident may have connections to broader criminal activity in the region. There is still much to uncover.”

The Crime Scene and Forensic Findings

The forensic team that processed the crime scene at Burleson’s home documented the following findings:

• Three 9mm shell casings recovered from the entry hall
• Blood spatter indicating a close-range shooting
• Broken glass from the rear entrance
• A partially torn T-shirt believed to belong to the suspect
• Footprint impressions consistent with Dow’s boot size, matched against a pair of muddy boots seized at his home

Additionally, a ballistics analysis has confirmed that the bullets recovered from Burleson’s body are consistent with the ammunition found in Dow’s handgun.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Michael William Dow appeared briefly before a magistrate judge the evening of May 7. Due to the severity of the charges, particularly the murder and trafficking offenses, bond was denied. He remains incarcerated at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 22, 2025. The Solicitor’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit is currently reviewing the case, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of pursuing additional charges, including those related to organized criminal activity.

Legal analysts suggest that if convicted on all counts, Dow could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Community Reaction and Grief

The Sumter County community has reacted with a mix of grief, disbelief, and growing concern over rising violent crime. A candlelight vigil honoring Robert Dustin Burleson is scheduled for the evening of May 9 at Patriot Park.

“He didn’t deserve this,” said Lisa Burleson, the victim’s sister. “He was trying to change his life, build his business, be a better man. And now he’s gone because someone decided to end it all over God knows what.”

Neighbors and local residents have been leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes outside Burleson’s home, now taped off with yellow crime scene tape.

Larger Implications: Crime and Drugs in Rural Communities

The tragic death of Robert Dustin Burleson has ignited renewed conversations about drug trafficking and firearm violence in rural communities. Sumter County, while not classified as a high-crime area, has seen a recent uptick in arrests related to narcotics and weapons.

Sheriff Dennis and other county officials have acknowledged these challenges and committed to expanding collaborative efforts with federal agencies such as the DEA and ATF to stem the flow of illegal drugs and firearms into the region.

“This is not just an urban problem,” Sheriff Dennis emphasized. “Criminal networks are infiltrating every corner of the state, and we must remain vigilant.”

Conclusion: A Life Taken, A Community in Mourning

As the criminal justice process moves forward, the family of Robert Dustin Burleson is left to grieve a life cut short by violence. What began as a quiet Wednesday morning in Sumter County has now become a permanent tragedy etched into the memory of the community.

While the arrest of Michael William Dow provides some measure of closure, the deeper wounds inflicted—emotional, social, and psychological—will take far longer to heal.

Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with further information about this case or Dow’s activities to come forward by contacting the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office or submitting tips anonymously through CrimeStoppers.