Swansea Man Found Shot to Death

A 43-year-old Swansea man was shot to death in his home early Sunday, the victim of an apparent homicide, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff James Metts on Monday said detectives are pursuing leads concerning the identity of the person or persons who fatally shot Matthew Milhouse, Jr., 43, of 498 Calhoun Road, Swansea. 

The circumstances of the fatal shooting as well as the motive for the killing remain under investigation, Metts said.

A medical pathologist, who said Milhouse died from a gunshot wound to the leg, has ruled the death a homicide based on a preliminary autopsy, said Lexington County Coroner Harry Harman. Milhouse died within minutes after being shot in his the leg with a firearm, Harman said. The gunshot lacerated blood vessels in Milhouse’s leg, resulting in rapid and fatal blood loss.

According to Metts, the Sheriff’s Department received a report from a neighbor at about 2:42 a.m. on Sunday that Milhouse had been fatally shot at his home. Deputies found Milhouse’s body in the kitchen at his residence. 

Metts asked anyone with information about Milhouse or the fatal shooting to call the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 785-8230 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Citizens also can provide information anonymously by accessing the Crime Tip link on the Sheriff’s Department web site.