Columbia police investigating Christmas Eve shooting that killed 4-year-old boy
Columbia police are investigating a Christmas Eve shooting in one of the area’s biggest shopping districts that killed a 4-year-old boy.
The shooting took place around 3 p.m. Tuesday at the 200 block of Harbison Boulevard, according to social media posts from the Columbia Police Department. That’s a block down from the Columbiana Centre mall that anchors the shopping area that runs along the border between Irmo and Columbia, and the counties of Richland and Lexington. The 200 block is lined with shopping centers full of stores and restaurants.
“The 4-year-old boy passed away at a local hospital after being shot inside a vehicle,” Columbia police posted in an update late Wednesday morning. “Investigators continue to determine how the child was fatally injured.”
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Jah’el E. Walker of Columbia, reporting that he was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
Police had previously reported that the child was “gravely injured” in the shooting. The department also reported having recovered a firearm and said investigators were interviewing the child’s mother.
“Additional information will be released when possible,” the department posted Wednesday.
This story was originally published December 25, 2024 at 8:09 AM.
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