Tragic Shooting at Bojangles in Columbia Leaves Community Mourning

Tragic Shooting Outside Popular Fast Food Joint in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina, has been shaken by a tragic event that unfolded outside a beloved Bojangles fast food restaurant on Thursday morning. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, authorities have confirmed that a woman, identified as Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon, has succumbed to injuries sustained from a shooting.

Details of the Incident

Around 10 a.m. on November 16, police responded to an emergency call reporting gunfire at the Bojangles located at 152 Harbison Boulevard. Upon arrival, they found the 40-year-old Hammonds-Colon suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Immediate actions were taken, and she was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, she was pronounced dead just a day later on Friday.

The Lexington County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Margaret Fisher, has announced that an autopsy is set to take place on November 18 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death.

Pursuit of Justice

In the aftermath of this sorrowful incident, the Columbia Police Department has taken steps towards delivering justice. They have issued an arrest warrant for Ja’Quivian Kennerly, a 23-year-old man who is now a person of interest in this case. He faces multiple charges, including murder, as investigators believe that the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups.

Local authorities have assured the public that they consider the shooting to be an isolated incident, emphasizing that, thankfully, no other injuries were reported during the disturbance. However, the situation has certainly left the community on edge, longing for answers and closure.

Community Come Together

As details emerge, the Columbia community is urged to come forward with any information that may help investigators locate Kennerly. Police are encouraging anyone with knowledge or tips to reach out to Crimestoppers — because together, a community can make a difference in ensuring safety for all.

The Columbia Police Department, alongside the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, is diligently working on the case. They assure the public that with ongoing investigations, more clarity is expected to emerge. As we follow this unfolding story, it’s a reminder of the impact violence can have on a community and the importance of looking out for one another.

A Call for Vigilance

In these troubling times, the residents of Columbia are reminded to stay engaged and vigilant, as community safety relies on collective awareness and responsibility. While this situation is still coming into focus, the importance of community connections is more crucial than ever.

As this story develops, there will be continuous updates provided to ensure that the information shared is both accurate and timely. For now, the hearts of many residents are heavy with this loss, and the community stands in solidarity, hoping for justice for Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon.

We encourage everyone to stay tuned and support the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in finding not just answers, but also a way to heal and move forward. Let’s work together to keep Columbia a safe place for all.