Police say they believe a Bowman man was a jilted lover who went over the edge when he bought a handgun to kill the new person in his former girlfriend's life.

Donald Miles, 28, of 3908 Homestead Road, was arrested Wednesday night and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a Cordova auto mechanic.

"We believe that the victim and Mr. Miles had a dispute over a female acquaintance," said Maj. Barbara Walters of the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office.

A bulldozer operator discovered the body of Yosiah Israel, 46, of 144 Fuquan Lane, in a wooded area near Zion Church Road on Tuesday. An autopsy revealed he had been shot three times.

Walters said it is not believed the two men had any previous connections other than the acquaintance.

Investigators believe Miles lived with the woman for approximately the past 10 years, but the relationship is thought to have ended in January.

Prior to this year, Miles did not have any brushes with the sheriff's department, according to OCSO records.

"No, no reports of previous violence or problems that I am aware of," Walters said.

That changed, police say, in March when the woman filed a report of stalking. Another report of stalking was filed in April.

"She stated she just wanted the subject to stop following her," OCSO deputies recorded in a report dated March 10.

The last report of stalking filed by the woman was dated April 7. The next report the woman filed was a missing person's report on Monday stating Israel had not been seen in several days.

Israel was last seen by the woman at his Cordova residence on May 8. Police have since learned Miles purchased a handgun at a pawn shop on May 8.

"It's been determined that the victim was shot at his residence," Walters said. "Detective Sgt. (Kenny) Kinsey was able to collect what is believed to be several 9 mm shell casings from the residence, along with some bullet fragments."

Police are still awaiting results of ballistic tests from SLED labs, Walters said.

Investigators think Israel's body was then taken to the wooded area near Zion Church Road, wrapped in plastic and placed under some pallets. There, bulldozer operator Eugene Hampton made the gruesome discovery around 1:25 p.m. Tuesday.

"Through forensic and investigative findings, it has been determined the victim was shot at his residence. Then he was transported to the location at which his body was found," Walters said. "We don't have an exact time (of death), but we think it was instant."

Walters said it is believed Israel came into the picture only after the woman had taken her vehicle to him for repairs. From that point, the victim was unwittingly involved in a fatal friendship, Walter said.

"To my knowledge, that's how they met," Walters said. "I don't think he knew how dangerous it could be. He didn't know this guy."

And that guy had given no previous indication he could be dangerous. Walters pointed out that in order to purchase a handgun, the buyer must have a spotless record.

Warrants were issued, and late Wednesday, Miles was entered into the National Crime Information Computer as being wanted for murder.

He was arrested at a relative's home in Winnsboro a short while later.

"Authorities picked him up in Fairfield County," Walters said. "We knew he was there. We issued warrants, and after he was picked up, we transported him back to Orangeburg County."

Detective Keith Bonnette led the investigation, assisted by Sgt. Lamont Williams and Crime Scene Specialist Kinsey.

While a time has not been announced, Miles' arraignment is scheduled for today.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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