Columbia Police Department (CPD) Investigators continue to interview potential witnesses in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old male and the injuries of three other juveniles.
According to Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, at 3:30 a.m. today, CPD officers received a Shotspotter alert with multiple rounds of gunfire detected at the 4200 block of Wentworth Drive near Lorick Avenue.
Additional officers were also dispatched to the scene and when they arrived, EMS was rendering medical aid to the 17-year-old who soon after was pronounced deceased.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office (RCCO) has identified the male as Travis D. Jones, Junior.
Three other juveniles were also injured by gunfire including an 11-year-old female who according to medical staff, remains in serious condition. A 15-year-old female and a 16-year-old male’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
While a specific motive for the shooting remains under investigation, investigators believe the incident stems from an isolated, prearranged fight between girls via social media.
Crime scene investigators collected valuable evidence from the location. Investigators will determine if surveillance cameras captured the crime on video.
Chief Holbrook encourages citizens with information about the incident to contact CRIMESTOPPERS 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.