COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Jury’s Quick Verdict in Mall Shooting Case
In a dramatic turn of events, a jury took just over an hour to reach a verdict in a high-profile case that has been grabbing the attention of Columbia residents since the tragic events of Easter weekend 2022. The jury found Jewayne Price, a 24-year-old man, guilty on all counts of attempted murder stemming from a mass shooting that took place at the bustling Columbiana Centre mall. The situation left many community members shaken and forever changed their perception of safety in public spaces.
The Scene That Day
On April 16, 2022, the Columbiana Centre mall was alive with families and children enjoying the holiday. However, that atmosphere of joy quickly turned to chaos as more than a dozen people were injured in the shooting incident. Among the nine individuals shot, their ages ranged from 15 to 73, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Prosecutors presented to the court that Price was not a victim of circumstance but a key player in escalating a festering feud with two other men, Amari Smith and Marquise Robinson.
A Prosecutor’s Strong Case
During closing arguments, 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard emphatically stated that there was no grounds for self-defense for Price or his co-defendants. He portrayed Price as the initial aggressor, stating, “Who ramped it up that high? Price. Who escalated the situation? Price.” The ongoing feud between Price and the other defendants dates back to a tragic 2018 murder case, leading the jury to believe that unresolved animosities erupted into the violence witnessed in the mall.
Defense Strategy and Claims
In a spirited defense, Price’s attorney, Todd Rutherford, argued that Price was merely attempting to protect himself from the true threats posed by Smith and Robinson, whom he claimed followed Price with malicious intent while armed. Rutherford painted a picture of a scared young man reacting in fear to potentially lethal threats. He asked the jurors to consider what it would feel like to be trailed by two armed individuals, adding that such a situation “would make anyone fearful.” However, the state’s evidence painted a different picture, including Price’s cavalier attitude while in the back of a police car moments after the shooting.
Journeys of the Victims
The emotional toll on victims was palpable during the nearly two-week trial. Many shared their harrowing experiences and described how their lives have changed since that fateful day. Families once comfortable frequenting the mall now carry the weight of trauma, making one wonder if they’ll ever feel safe enough to return. “You think they’ll ever go in there again?” Hubbard questioned, addressing the consequences laid bare before the court.
What Lies Ahead
Although Price’s verdict came down firmly, the defense intends to appeal, claiming that justice was distorted. Rutherford expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that vital testimonies regarding Price’s sense of being hunted were omitted, missing the essence of Stand Your Ground self-defense laws. The next chapter in this unfolding drama will see Smith stand trial starting this Friday, a grim reminder that the mall shooting’s shadows are far from fading.
Community Reflections
As Columbia digests the verdict, questions about safety in public spaces linger. This incident has sparked conversations about violence, community safety, and the importance of finding peaceful resolutions to disputes before they escalate into chaos. What happened that day is a sobering reminder that every action has consequences—an important lesson as the community moves forward.
