One killed in shooting at Midlands student complex. Police hunt for shooter
A man was shot to death Friday in an apartment complex off Bluff Road where numerous University of South Carolina and other college students live, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said.
JoKayne Carter, a 19-year-old Columbia resident, was identified as the victim, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Sunday.
The people responsible for the shooting “fled prior to deputies’ arrival” on the scene, the sheriff’s department said in a news release.
On Saturday, the sheriff’s department said that 19-year-old Tyron Shelley and 20-year-old Ta’John Goodwin had been arrested and charged with murder.
Neither Carter nor Shelley and Goodwin are USC students, university officials told The State Sunday.
Information about a motive for the shooting was not available.
Carter’s body was found lying in the road at 1051 Southern Drive, off Bluff Road, the sheriff’s department said. That is the address of The Roost, a rental complex that caters to USC students, according to material on its internet site. A spokesperson for The Roost was not available.
Carter appeared to have been thrown out of a vehicle, and into the road, by the occupants of the vehicle which then drove away, the sheriff’s department said in an incident report.
More detailed information about the victim was not available.
Shortly after noon on Friday, deputies were called to The Roost for a shooting.
“When deputies arrived, they located one victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body; the victim was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on scene by EMS. The victim is an adult. The suspect(s) fled prior to deputies’ arrival,” a press release said.
“This is still an active investigation and crime scene. At this time, the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident. Non-residents of the apartments at 1051 Southern Drive are encouraged to avoid the complex in order to allow law enforcement space to work,” the press release said.
If anyone has information about this incident, call the sheriff’s office at 803-576-3000 or submit a tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
The Roost markets itself to students. Promotional material on its internet site says, “Nestled near USC, Allen University, and Benedict College, The Roost offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, community, and security for students seeking a home away from home. With spacious floor plans, modern amenities, and a vibrant environment, The Roost is where student living truly takes flight.”
This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM.