Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook and Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announce the arrest of a 20- year-old man accused of critically wounding two juveniles in separate shootings at an apartment complex last month.
The same suspect has been forensically linked to a series of other shootings in the City and County.
From July 22 – September 8, 2016, the Columbia Police Department (CPD) and Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) have investigated a total of sixteen shootings with a common link by either weapons or suspects, or both. (CPD = 6) (RCSD = 10)
Chief Holbrook says, “If it was not for the collection of evidence, the preservation of evidence, sharing information, the forensic examination completed by the Sheriff’s Department, we would not have connected those dots. I cannot say enough about the investigative work that went into these shootings.”
In particular, CPD has charged three suspects in three of the six city investigations, including a juvenile. Firearms are connected to all six cases that are jointly investigated by CPD, RCSD, the Midlands Gang Task Force (MGTF) and Criminal Investigations Divisions (CID).
Sheriff Lott says, “We have three firearms examiners at the Sheriff’s Department who were able to tie these shootings together.”
The primary suspect in three city cases is 20-year-old Markelton Tyvon Stephens (DOB: 5-29-1996).
He is charged with Two Counts Attempted Murder, Two Counts Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime, Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol, Discharging Firearm into a Dwelling, Breach of Peace of a High and Aggravated Nature.
Stephens is charged in these (CPD) investigations:
Two at 3600 block of Falling Springs Road (8/7 & 8/9) Firearm connection: .380 Bersa for the first shooting;
.380 Bersa & 9 mm Lugar (by 16-year-old juvenile) for the second shooting
Synopsis of Crimes:
13-year-old male was shot in the head while visiting friends Victim is still receiving intense medical treatment & therapy Stolen car from RCSD jurisdiction used to commit the crime
11-year-old female was shot in the neck while visiting family Victim has been released from the hospital
Spent several weeks in the hospital
Stolen car from CPD jurisdiction used to commit the crime
In addition to Stevens, a 16-year-old co-defendant from Irmo has been charged in this case:
Charges:
Attempted Murder
Possession of a Firearm by Person Convicted of a Violent Felony Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol
Breach of Peace of a High and Aggravated Nature
510 Lakeside Avenue (8/24) Firearm connection: .380 Bersa
Two vehicles struck by bullets – No physical injuries
One woman near the shooting – exited her vehicle for fear of her immediate safety Stephens is the alleged shooter
Firearm connection: .380 Bersa
Female co-defendant: (Driver)
Kristina Danielle Lake (DOB: 11-28-1997)
Charge: Accessory After the Fact of a Felony
Additional Shootings:
4332 Mellowood Drive 8/1 (RCSD) Two victims wounded
Firearm Connection: Taurus .357
1600 Longcreek Drive 8/3 (RCSD) One person wounded
Firearm Connection Taurus .357
100 Lorick Circle 8/5 (CPD)
At least four occupied apartments were damaged by bullets. No physical injuries to persons Stolen car recovered from RCSD jurisdiction (keys left inside)
Firearms Connection: .380 Bersa, 9mm Lugar, .40 caliber
481 Town Center Place 8/5 (RCSD)
Purse Snatching
Witness’ vehicle was shot at while pursuing the suspect
Firearm connection: .40 caliber from Columbia College Drive & .40 caliber from Lorick Circle
130 Amsterdam Drive 8/6 (RCSD) One person shot
Firearm connection: .380 Bersa
100 Columbia College Drive 8/13 (CPD)
Male shot in the leg; victim uncooperative
Alleged shooter Skylar Hillary – Died in a car crash
Stolen car from CPD jurisdiction used to commit the crime
.40 caliber recovered during fatal crash investigation by SC Highway Patrol
1918 Woodfield Drive 8/15 (RCSD)
Multiple shots fired at a residence; No one injured Firearm connection: .40 caliber
2928 Alpine Road 8/15 (RCSD)
Multiple shots fired at home; No one injured Firearm connection: .40 caliber
228 Oakley Drive 8/18 (RCSD)
Multiple shots fired at home; No one injured Firearm connection: 9 mm
2429 McKinley Street 8/20 (RCSD) One person shot
Firearm connection: 9mm
5031 Brickyard Road 8/22 (CPD)
Property Damage only
Several shots struck an occupied house – No physical injuries .380 Bersa
6400 Block Claudia Drive 8/22 (RCSD)
Shots fired at a group; No one person injured Firearm connection: 9 mm
1913 Quaker Road 8/24 (RCSD)
Multiple shots fired at home; No one injured Firearms connection: 9mm
The shootings continue to be investigated by CPD and RCSD with additional arrests expected. It is vitally important that citizens call Crimestoppers with information about the shootings.
Holbrook adds, “It’s disappointing that we have not seen more cooperation considering the impact these shootings have had on a number of communities.”
Lott says, “Many of the victims do not want to talk and cooperate, which causes multiple shootings.”
Citizens with information about the crime are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any of the following ways: CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC. TEXT to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information. LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Markelton Tyvon Stephens (DOB: 5-29-1996)
ASGDC Booking Photograph
Kristina Danielle Lake (DOB: 11-28-1997)
ASGDC Booking Photograph