As Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers continue to investigate yesterday’s fatal shooting on Gervais Street, Police Chief Skip Holbrook is releasing additional information regarding the incident to generate Crimestoppers tips.
Recap of Incident:
The shooting incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 2324 Gervais Street (Prince Hall Grand Masonic Lodge), the site of a party hosted by the ‘Metro’s Most Wanted Motorcycle Club’ (MMWMC).
The event was reportedly attended by approximately 400 guests who were celebrating the Motorcycle Club’s tenth anniversary. Advertisements for the event were posted on social media in December and attracted party-goers from out-of-town. Among the attendees were three male shooting victims.
Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says 21-year-old Darold Kevin Dantzler, II (DOB: 6-6-1997) died as a result of gunshot wounds to the upper body. A CPD officer performed CPR on Dantzler before EMS personnel pronounced deceased on the scene.
The remaining two who did not receive life-threatening injuries, continue to receive treatment at a local hospital. A 29-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to a forearm; a 37-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh. Party attendees rendered first aid to both men who were found at different locations in the parking lot.
The Investigation:
While CPD continues to determine a motive for the shooting, several witnesses have advised that a heated argument between at least two groups happened moments before the shooting occurred.
Crime scene investigators collected more than thirty shell casings from two different firearms which will be processed for potential evidentiary value by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
At the time of the incident, party attendees were uncooperative with CPD. Since then, investigators have been able to interview potential witnesses and encourage others to come forward.
Of Special Note:
** Investigators have learned that a number of attendees may have taken video recordings or pictures of the celebration that contain valuable information that can assist in identifying the person or persons responsible. **
Citizens with information to aid with the investigation are encouraged 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.