UPDATE: Authorities determine man in ‘suspicious’ death on Budon Court was shot

The Columbia Police Department and Richland County Coroner determined that a man discovered dead on a welfare check had been shot and killed.

Columbia Police Public Information Officer Jennifer Timmons said police were performing a welfare check on the man at a residence located in the 1700 block of Budon Court off Harrison Road near Forest Drive. According to Timmons, a friend of the man was concerned when he didn’t show up to work. When police arrived at the residence, Timmons said they found the man dead.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts on Wednesday identified the man as Charles A. Kusko Jr., 48. Watts added that Kusko was shot in the upper body and determined his death is a homicide. Timmons has said the death has been deemed suspicous.

The Columbia Police Department continues to investigate and anyone with information should contact the Columbia Police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-CRIME-SC.

This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 1:32 PM.