Shooting in Columbia Leaves One Dead, Three Injured Early Friday

COLUMBIA, S.C. — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting early Friday morning in Columbia‘s Elmwood Park neighborhood. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. when police received a call about shots fired on Lincoln Street.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook reported that the shooting took place at a property used as an Airbnb. There were about 8 to 10 young adults gathered when the gunfire erupted. Four individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and one male victim later died at a local hospital. The other three victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were also transported to the hospital, but their conditions remain unclear.

According to Deputy Chief Melron Kelly, the initial report involved a car break-in before the situation escalated to a shooting. A neighbor, Ebonn Twilley, reported hearing screams and witnessed someone fleeing the scene shortly after the shots were fired. “I thought it was a car break-in,” Twilley said. “But then I heard the gunshots and screaming.”

Holbrook emphasized that law enforcement believes the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, they are currently searching for a suspect who is considered armed and dangerous. “Someone did flee the scene, and we do believe they are a risk to the public,” Holbrook stated.

Airbnb released a statement condemning the violence, mentioning that they have removed the account of the guest who booked the reservation for the property where the shooting occurred. Their safety team has also contacted the Columbia Police Department to offer assistance in the ongoing investigation.

The Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association expressed concern, stating the incident was a predictable outcome of short-term rentals in residential areas. They mention ongoing complaints to law enforcement regarding various violations related to these rentals.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Columbia Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.