Heartfelt Testimonies Continue in Columbiana Centre Shooting Trial

LEXINGTON, S.C. — The courtroom erupted with emotion as testimonies resumed on the fourth day of the trial of Jewayne Price, one of the three individuals accused in the shocking shooting incident at Columbiana Centre during Easter weekend in 2022. As the day unfolded, several victims bravely shared their traumatic experiences, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that erupted that day.

Victims Step Forward

For privacy reasons, the identities of the victims were kept confidential, but their voices carried the weight of their stories throughout the courtroom. One particularly heart-wrenching testimony came from a witness who *recall vividly* witnessing a tall, dark-skinned man discharge a weapon. The prosecution made a poignant point in their questioning, suggesting that this man was none other than Price.

The prosecution engaged the witness directly, asking, “The guy you saw doing the shooting is the guy you describe as a tall guy in that black shirt you pointed out earlier?” Without hesitating, she replied, “Yes.” The prosecutor pressed further, “And that shot you heard and you saw came from him?” Again, the witness responded firmly, “Yes.”

Troubling Cross-Examination

As is often the case in trials, the defense sought to create doubts about the witness’s memories from that harrowing day. They inquired whether her injuries and shock might have influenced how she remembered events. The witness, however, stood her ground. When the defense attorney asked, “I would imagine for you it would be difficult to kinda recount everything that happened?” she responded resolutely, “No.”

The back-and-forth continued as the defense pushed, “You remember everything that happened, right?” “Yes,” she affirmed. The defense attempted to dig deeper, asking, “And so for you, this is something you’ll probably remember for the rest of your life, right?” The witness’s answer was profound: “And my family too, yes.” When asked if it was “extremely traumatic,” she echoed, “Yes.” It was clear that the emotional scars from that day are something she—and many others—will carry forever.

Haunting Memories

Another witness shared insights into the long-term emotional distress inflicted by the incident. As he viewed footage from the shooting during his testimony, he expressed, “It still haunts me. It’s hard to sleep at night for me and my wife, and we have to live with it every day.” His words illustrated how deeply the event has affected not just the individuals directly involved, but also their loved ones.

Interestingly, the defense opted not to cross-examine this witness, perhaps acknowledging the gravity of his emotional testimony. As more stories were shared in the courtroom, it became evident how significant this trial is—not just for the survivors seeking justice but for the entire community that has been touched by this tragedy.

The Growing Case Against Price

Throughout the trial, Price faces serious charges including two counts of attempted murder, nine counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, as well as unlawful carry of a pistol. As the court prepares to resume on Friday at 9 a.m., the tension in the courtroom is palpable. Each testimony adds to a complex narrative of fear, loss, and the quest for justice.

The emotions running high in the trial resonate with the community, echoing a collective yearning for answers and healing. As the days progress, many eagerly await the conclusion of this trial, hoping for a resolution that doesn’t just address the incident but also brings some semblance of peace to those affected.

Stay tuned as this crucial trial unfolds, and remember, every voice matters as we seek to understand the impact of violence on individuals and families.