Columbia Police Department (CPD) investigators have made arrests in connection with two separate fatal shooting investigations.
Police Chief W. H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook announces that 42-year-old Marion Oates, Junior, is charged with Murder, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime. Oates, Junior, is housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).
Oates was arrested on August 2, 2025, after the discovery of a deceased male inside a home at the 5500 block of Randall Avenue early the same morning. Initially, EMS responded to the house and then notified law enforcement. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 50-year-old Edward E. Willis. While investigators continue to determine the motive for the shooting, they believe the crime was an isolated incident between acquaintances.
In a separate case, CPD investigators have arrested and charged 25-year-old Brandon Jackson with Murder, Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Criminal Conspiracy. On January 22, 2025, while at the 100 block of Doctor’s Circle, Jackson was identified as a co-defendant in connection with the murder of the 27-year-old victim, identified by the Richland County Coroner’s Office Creighvion Benjamin.
In January, CPD investigators arrested 19-year-old Nicholas S. Jackson, Junior, in connection with the fatal shooting. He remains housed at the ASGDC, charged with Murder and Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon. Additional arrests for the fatal shooting are pending.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.