Richland County coroner rules woman death as homicide

Columbia police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman after the Richland County Coroner’s Office ruled her death as a homicide Wednesday.

Coroner Gary Watts said Ann Marie Johnson, 46, was found dead at her Paul Street residence Tuesday by Columbia police officers. An autopsy conducted by the coroner’s office revealed Johnson died as a result of strangulation.

Columbia police officials said officers were performing a welfare check at Johnson’s residence when they found her body.

Watts said the Columbia police will continue to investigate Johnson’s death.

Anyone with information regarding Johnson’s death is urged to call Crimestoppers at 1 (888)-CRIME-SC.