Search underway after Lexington County man is murdered, police say
A Lexington County man was murdered, and the West Columbia Police Department is asking for the community’s help in its investigation.
An investigation began Tuesday after the body of Michael James Williams was discovered, police said in a news release.
The 48-year-old Lexington County resident was found in his home in the Riverbanks Retreat Apartments on North Lucas Street, according to the release. That’s near the intersection of Sunset and Jarvis Klapman boulevards, close to the Congaree River and the bridges leading to downtown Columbia.
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said Williams’ cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. Assistant Chief of Police Scott Morrison said Williams was murdered, in an interview with The State.
During the investigation, police said they saw video footage that showed a vehicle of interest at the apartment complex.
The mid-’90s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was captured on surveillance footage outside the apartment on the evening of July 12, according to the news release. That is the date when the fatal shooting occurred, according to Coroner Margaret Fisher.
Police are looking for the owner and occupants of the truck.
Police said the truck appears to have one fog light and multiple stickers on the rear window, along with a silver tool box in the bed.
Morrison said there is no other information being made public on a suspect, or suspects, involved in the death, but the killing is considered an isolated incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 803-794-0721, or report it to CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
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This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 1:43 PM.
