Columbia police: Man killed after apparent argument between two groups

Columbia police are investigating the shooting death of a man early Saturday morning that happened in front of several witnesses.

The victim was identified as 23-year-old Rodney Kendall Francis II, of Columbia, according to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts. He died of multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Officers responded to a shots fired call at the 1000 block of Lady Street shortly before 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Police Chief Skip Holbrook said in a news release. When police arrived, they found Francis unresponsive on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, Holbrook said.

Preliminary information indicates Francis was leaving Club Rue 77 at 1301 Assembly St. with several other people before the shooting occurred, Holbrook said, adding investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from an argument and fight between at least two groups.

Several witnesses told police that shots were fired from a black and gray Chevy Avalanche. Police released a surveillance image of the suspected vehicle.

Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers, 1-888-CRIME-SC.

From Staff Reports

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Columbia police: Man killed after apparent argument between two groups."