Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers are now investigating yesterday’s suspicious death from Huntington Avenue as a homicide.
According to an autopsy conducted by the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the female victim identified as 56-year-old Joan Staub died from blunt force to the upper body.
The victim was found by a roommate at 916 Huntington Avenue at approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018.
Initially, CPD officers were dispatched to the location for a reported home burglary. When officers arrived at the scene, they found an open door and the deceased victim inside the home. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Investigators have canvassed the neighborhood and surrounding areas and talked with neighbors to gather information related to the case. At this time, CPD believes the crime is an isolated incident.
Police Chief Skip Holbrook says, “It is important to note that this case does not fit any pattern of similar crimes in the area. There is not a specific need to push out a warning to the public. We don’t think that we have a pattern of break-ins or assaults; that someone is at large committing multiple acts.”
Citizens with information about the crime are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.