Trial Continues in Lexington over Columbiana Centre Shooting as Emotional Testimonies Emerge

Trial Continues in Lexington over Columbiana Centre Shooting

LEXINGTON, S.C. — Testimony unfolded on Thursday as the trial of Jewayne Price continued, amidst the serious backdrop of the 2022 Columbiana Centre shooting, which resulted in injuries for multiple individuals. Price is facing a slew of charges, including two counts of attempted murder alongside nine counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

A Closer Look at the Evidence

The courtroom was filled with an air of tension as Columbia Police Department Investigator, Chauncy Duckett, took the stand. His testimony was pivotal as the prosecution and defense delved into the interpretation of the security footage captured during the chaotic moments of the shooting. The prosecution maintains that Price was the one who initiated the gunfire, while the defense raised questions about Duckett’s conclusions, suggesting that his analysis of the footage was uncertain.

Prosecutors highlighted certain moments from the footage where Price seemed to brandish a firearm, asserting that this was indicative of his role in instigating the violence. On the other side, the defense responded by challenging these interpretations, arguing that the depictions in the videos were ambiguous and did not definitively affirm that Price had started the shooting.

Heart-Wrenching Testimonies from Young Victims

As the trial progressed, two minor siblings who were victims of the shooting took the stand. Their heartbreaking testimonies added an emotional layer to the proceedings. The sister, who suffered a gunshot wound to her leg, spoke candidly about her ongoing pain. She described it as a constant companion, revealing that she experiences numbness and discomfort, especially when lying down with her injured leg. Her fear for her brother, who endured two gunshot wounds, was palpable as she recounted the night of the shooting.

Her brother followed her on the stand, recounting the intense fear that surged through him as he thought he might lose his vision due to injuries sustained to his arm and leg while they were sheltering in the back of the store during the gunfire. It was a heart-wrenching moment when he shared how his father’s voice and a nurse’s soothing presence kept him conscious and grounded amidst such trauma.

Courtroom Protections and Next Steps

In a commendable effort to protect the young victims, no cross-examination took place by the defense, and strict courtroom protocols were adhered to so that their identities remained concealed. The emotional weight of their testimonies resonated through the courtroom, painting a clear picture of the impact that the shooting had on their lives.

Following the siblings’ powerful testimonies, the trial saw another Columbia PD supervisor and a cell phone expert take the stand, further contributing to the evidence presented in the case. As the courtroom brims with anticipation and emotion, the trial is set to resume on Tuesday morning, allowing the state to continue building its case against Price.

Ongoing Updates Expected

The ongoing trial has already tugged at the heartstrings of those involved, showcasing not only the humanity of the victims but also the complexities surrounding the shooting incident. As community members and families await further developments, all eyes will be on the courtroom next week, hoping for justice and clarity in this unsettling tragedy.

Stay tuned for more updates as this significant trial unfolds, bringing with it stories of resilience and hope while grappling with the harsh realities of violence.