Crime & Courts

Sheriff’s department announces arrest of two teens in Columbia Food Lion shooting

De’Mario Wagner, 19, and Emmanuel Gilliard, 17, have each been charged with two counts of attemted murder following a shooting at a Food Lion on Sept. 5, 2023.
De’Mario Wagner, 19, and Emmanuel Gilliard, 17, have each been charged with two counts of attemted murder following a shooting at a Food Lion on Sept. 5, 2023.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has announced two arrests following a shooting that injured two people at a Columbia-area grocery store.

De’Mario Wagner, 19, and Emmanuel Gilliard, 17, have been charged with two counts of attempted murder and possessing a weapon during a violent crime.

“Additional arrests may be forthcoming,” according to a statement released by the sheriff’s department Friday, which described the investigation as “ongoing.”

Court records indicate that Wagner was arrested on Sept. 7. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said it held off announcing his arrest as the investigation was still active. Wagner was denied bond at a hearing held that same day. He is represented by state Rep. Todd Rutherford, a prominent defense attorney and Democratic legislator from Richland County.

Gilliard turned himself on Thursday, Oct. 5, according to a department spokesperson, who said that he is being charged as a juvenile. He was given a $200,000 surety bond, according to the sheriff’s department.

The shooting took place over Labor Day Weekend at a Food Lion located in the 4760 Hardscrabble Road.

Richalnd County sheriff’s deputies responded to the Food Lion around 7 p.m. on Sept 5 following reports of a shooting. Two individuals were injured and transported to the hospital.

The sheriff’s department has asked anyone with additional information about this incident to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at crimesc.com or by using the P3 Tips app.

Ted Clifford
The State
Ted Clifford is the statewide accountability reporter at The State Newspaper. Formerly the crime and courts reporter, he has covered the Murdaugh saga, state and federal court, as well as criminal justice and public safety in the Midlands and across South Carolina. He is the recipient of the 2023 award for best beat reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.
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