Teenager killed in shooting that also injured three children is identified by coroner
A teenager was killed and three children were injured early Monday morning in a shooting, according to the Columbia Police Department.
The shooting happened at about 3:30 a.m. near the intersection of Wentworth Drive and Lorick Avenue, police said. That’s close to the intersection of North Main Street and Monticello Road, near the campus of Columbia College.
The body of a 17-year-old male was found when officers responded to the scene, according to police.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the teen as Travis D. Jones Jr.
An 11-year-old girl, a 15-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old male were hurt and taken to an area hospital, according to police.
Medical staff said the 11-year-old is in serious condition, while the 15- and 16-year-old’s injuries do not appear to be life threatening, according to police. Further information on their conditions was not available.
No other injuries were reported.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, according to police. But investigators believe it may have stemmed from an isolated, prearranged fight between girls on social media.
There was no word on a shooter, or shooters. No arrests have been reported by police, who said officers have been interviewing witnesses and collecting ballistic evidence from the shooting.
Officers were responding to a ShotSpotter alert, police said. ShotSpotter is a technology that uses acoustic monitors to detect a sound like gunfire. The system sends the gunfire’s location to Columbia police within 45 seconds.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published July 17, 2023 at 12:04 PM.
