Teen Victim Identified, Two Arrested in Columbia Shooting
The community in Columbia, South Carolina, has been shaken by a deadly shooting that happened at an off-campus student housing complex this past Friday. The Richland County Coroner, Naida Rutherford, has now identified the victim as 19-year-old JoKayne Carter, a young man from Columbia whose life was cut tragically short.
Authorities say the shooting took place just after 12:30 p.m. at The Roost, an apartment complex on Southern Drive that is often home to college students. When deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrived, Carter was found with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Within hours, investigators began piecing together what had happened. A gold Chevy Tahoe was quickly identified as the suspect vehicle connected to the shooting. That lead brought deputies to the Earlewood neighborhood, where they located both the vehicle and 19-year-old Tyron Shelley. He was arrested on the spot, and while searching the home, deputies also discovered a stolen firearm from Florence County.
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Meanwhile, investigators identified a second suspect—20-year-old Ta’John Goodwin. Instead of a dramatic arrest, Goodwin turned himself in at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department headquarters the following day, with help and encouragement from his family. Both Shelley and Goodwin are now charged with murder and are being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Law enforcement officials say they are still working to determine the motive for the shooting. While the apartment complex is marketed toward local students, officials with the University of South Carolina confirmed that neither the suspects nor the victim had any affiliation with the university.
This case has already drawn significant attention, not only because of the young age of those involved, but also because of its place in a troubling pattern. According to Sheriff Leon Lott, this marks the 14th murder case investigated by his department this year—and in each one, arrests have been made.
For residents, especially those who live near student housing complexes, the news is unsettling. These spaces are usually filled with young people building their futures, and an incident like this is a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt and change everything.
The loss of JoKayne Carter has left friends, family, and the community grieving, while the two young men accused of his murder face serious charges that will likely alter the course of their lives forever. Investigators have vowed to continue digging until the full circumstances are understood, but for now, the focus is on justice for Carter and comfort for those mourning his death.
This is yet another reminder of how fragile life can be—and how one violent act can ripple far beyond a single moment.
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