Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook continues to encourage citizens to call Crimestoppers with information that can help solve murder investigations. Currently, the Columbia Police Department’s Violent Crimes Against Persons (VCAP) Unit is investigating the cases, many of which lack public information.
Please review the cases and contact CRIMESTOPPERS with your tips in any of the following 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.
2019 Investigations
21-year-old Darold Kevin Dantzler, II was shot and killed while at a ‘Metro’s Most Wanted Motorcycle Club’ party on February 17, 2019 at 2324 Gervais Street (Prince Hall Grand Masonic Lodge).The event was attended by approximately 400 guests many of whom took video recording or pictures of the party. While CPD continues to determine a motive for the shooting, several witnesses say that a heated argument between at least two groups happened moments before the shooting occurred.
77-year-old Alphonso Rowe was shot outside of his home at 2730 Putnam Road on August 7, 2019. Officers were initially dispatched there for a shots fired call when they found the victim. While investigators continue to determine a motive for the shooting, they do not believe that Rowe was the intended target. CPD has learned that a teen relative who resided at the home at the time had a previous on-going dispute with someone. Investigators have interviewed several family members for the case.
55-year-old Brantley Sutton was shot and killed on August 15, 2019 at 3304 Beaumont Street. Initially, CPD officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert and discovered the victim outside. At this time, investigators believe Sutton may have argued with a person or persons before the shooting occurred.
23-year-old Keon Tucker was shot and killed on December 21, 2019 during a gang-related incident at the 4800 block of Norman Street. Initially, CPD officers were on patrol in the area and heard multiple gunshots. After circulating the neighborhood, they received a ShotSpotter alert confirming the gunfire location. Officers responded to 4813 Norman Street and found Tucker deceased outside. Hundreds of people gathered on Norman Street after the funeral of a male who at the time had been recently shot and killed on Hallbrook Drive in the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction. A large hostile crowd gathered in the roadway however, there has been little-to-no public information assistance.
2020 Investigations
34-year-old Melissa Keith was found deceased on February 18, 2020, at the InTown Suites located at 1633 Broad River Road. Motel employees found her and called 9-1-1. According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, Keith died from complications of blood loss from a stabbing. CPD investigators have collected evidence from inside the room.
23-year-old Delvin Weems was found shot inside a vehicle on Colleton Street, Gable Oaks Apartments on July 20, 2020 after a citizen called 9-1-1. Officers immediately began to render medical aid before EMS arrived on scene. Investigators have spoken with people at the scene.
2021 Investigations
27-year-old Tony G. Henry, Junior was found shot at Farmview Road on April 7, 2021. CPD officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for that location. Ballistic evidence was collected at the scene.
17-year-old Chrishawn Thompson was found shot on Catherine Avenue on April 23, 2021. CPD officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for that location. Emergency dispatchers also received several 9-1-1 calls about a male being injured by gunfire. Witness interviews were conducted on scene
17-year-old Reginald Nixon and 15-year-old Desmond Williams were found shot at Madison Station Apartment on Ulmer Road on May 10, 2021. Several people were interviewed on scene.
19-year-old Trinity Sanders was found shot at a Musgroves Mill Lane home on July 5, 2021. Several people were home at the time of the incident. Ballistic evidence was collected at the scene.
16-year-old Josiah Sanders was found shot at a McQueen Street home on September 5, 2021. Witness interviews were conducted on scene as well as the collection of ballistic evidence.
94-year-old Robbie Atkinson was found deceased inside her Calhoun Street home on September 16, 2022. A relative of the victim called 9-1-1 to report the discovery. Investigators have interviewed several people regarding the case.
39-year-old Terence Myers was found stabbed to death at a Cherry Street home on October 10, 2021. Investigators spoke with witnesses on scene. It was reported that there may have been an argument moments before the incident. Several people were interviewed on scene.
30 and 31-year-olds Rashu Ahemn and Daniel Lizardi were found shot at 7645 Garners Ferry Road on December 23, 2021. Ahemn was pronounced deceased on scene while Lizardi was pronounced deceased by medical staff at a local hospital. Several people were interviewed on scene. Evidence was also collected regarding the incident.
2022 Investigations
26-year-old Darius Heyward, Jr. was found shot at 1728 Van Heise Street on March 5, 2022. CPD officers responded to a Shotspotter alert and found Heyward unresponsive. Police officers canvassed the area looking for evidence related to the case.
45-year-old Orenthal Chestnut was found with blunt force trauma at 1406 Gregg Street on June 26, 2022. Police officers Police officers canvassed the area looking for evidence related to the case. Surveillance cameras were found in the area to aid the case.
61-year-old Fredika Bowman was found shot at 7645 Garners Ferry Road on October 29, 2022. CPD officers collected a significant amount of ballistic evidence from the scene. They also spoke to witnesses on scene. Surveillance video was also collected to aid the case.
2023 Investigations
49-year-old Robert Harry, Jr., was found shot at 6320 North Main Street on January 24, 2023. Harry was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. CPD officers collected ballistic evidence from the scene.
27-year-old Nicholas Miller was found shot at 7804 Bailey Street on May 17, 2023. CPD officers rendered first aid to Miller before EMS arrived. Miller was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Officers initially responded a Shotspotter alert. After searching the immediate area they, collected ballistic evidence.
17-year-old Travis Jones Jr., was found shot at t4200 Wentworth Drive on July 17, 2023. CPD officers initially responded to a Shotspotter alert. Three others were wounded but survived. Officers collected ballistic evidence from the scene.
