Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with a deadly overnight shooting that occurred on Benedict Street.
The suspect is charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime.
He’s currently housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).
Initial information indicates that the teen and three friends were at the home playing video games when an argument started moments before the shooting.
As a result, the victim who’s been identified by Richland County Coroner Gary Watts as 17-year-old Cisco Knightner, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.
Second Shooting Investigation:
CPD officers also investigated a shooting that occurred at 926 Johnson Avenue less than an hour after the one on Benedict Street.
In this case, it’s believed that three teenagers requested a cab and after arriving at their destination, one teen and a Blue Ribbon cab driver argued about the fare.
Preliminary information indicates that the teen and cabbie shot each other inside of the vehicle. The two other passengers ran to safety and were not injured.
The teen has been identified by Richland County Coroner Gary Watts as 18-year-old Marques Hallman. An autopsy indicates that he died from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.
Both victims were taken to local hospitals where the teen was pronounced deceased overnight and the cabbie died early this morning.
All three firearms used to commit these crimes have been recovered by CPD. Investigators are working to determine the origin of the weapons.
Chief Holbrook says, “Three people lost their lives because of petty arguments that led to senseless crimes. Two of the victims and a suspect in these cases were teenagers who had direct and unlawful access to guns. Too many people are quick to settle disputes in a violent manner. We, along with our community partners are working to prevent this type of violence.”
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