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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>An autopsy revealed that a man found dead in his yard was a homicide victim.</p>
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<p>The man, identified as 55-year-old Steven Whitlock of Burton, died as a result of gunshot wounds. The wounds were discovered by pathologists during the autopsy conducted two days after Sheriff’s Office deputies received the report of an unresponsive man in a yard on Franklin Drive in Burton.</p>
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<p>Deputies and Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services responded to the location Saturday afternoon, March 5. According to a press release issued by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s office, Whitlock’s death was believed to be suspicious at the time, but the cause was not apparent.</p>
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<p>A forensic autopsy was completed March 7 at the Medical University of South Carolina, during which the gunshot wounds were uncovered and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.</p>
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<p>Sheriff's Office investigators are searching for the identity of the person responsible for Whitlock's death. Anyone with information about the crime is encouraged to contact Sgt. David Tafoya at 843-255-3430 or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111, if wishing to remain anonymous and for possible reward.</p>
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