Argument leads to shooting in SC over the weekend, Richland County sheriff says

One person was taken to an area hospital and another to jail Sunday following an argument that led to a shooting, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Jerry Williams, 33, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, the sheriff’s department said Monday in a news release.

At about 6 p.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a call about a shooting at 8310 Two Notch Road, according to the release. That’s a motel in a part of Columbia that’s densely packed with restaurants and retail businesses, near Exit 17 on Interstate 77.

Deputies located a victim who had been shot in the upper body, the sheriff’s department said. Deputies rendered aid until EMS arrived and took the victim to an area hospital..

The victim, who later died as a result of the shooting, was identified as Zakiyah Ali, 30, of Columbia, according to the Richland County Coroner’s Office.

No other injuries were reported.

Deputies learned that an argument between Williams and the victim led to the shooting, the sheriff’s department said.

Information about why Williams and the victim were arguing was not available, and there was no word if they knew each other prior to the gunfire.

Williams was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where he’s being held while waiting for a bond hearing, the sheriff’s department said. Following that, the Columbia resident is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 21, Richland County court records show.

This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 2:04 PM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription