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Columbia Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Mall Shooting

Families gather at Columbiana Mall, a reminder of the importance of public safety.

News Summary

A Columbia man, Marquise Robinson, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting at Columbiana Mall that injured nine bystanders. The violent incident arose from a long-standing dispute and escalated dramatically, leading to a chaotic scene during Easter weekend. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to public safety and accountability for violent actions.

Columbia Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Columbiana Mall Shooting

Columbia is still reeling from the aftermath of a back-and-forth exchange of gunfire that occurred during what was supposed to be a fun day of shopping at the Columbiana Mall. On April 16, 2022, the mall was filled with families enjoying their Easter weekend when a violent confrontation unfolded, leading to the injuring of nine innocent bystanders.

Recently, Marquise Robinson, a 23-year-old resident of Columbia, received a hefty 30-year prison sentence from the SC Department of Corrections for his role in this chaotic incident. The verdict comes after Robinson was convicted of nine counts of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature in November of the previous year.

The Day of the Incident

On that fateful day, a dispute that had been simmering since 2018 erupted. This was not just any random fight; it was rooted in a past tragedy involving the shooting death of Amon Rice. The confrontation escalated dramatically when Jewayne Price, 25, entered the mall illegally brandishing a hidden firearm. Both Robinson and his accomplice, Amari Smith, who is 24, were also armed, which ultimately turned the mall into a chaotic scene.

As tensions flared, it all came to a head when Price confronted Robinson, leading to a reckless exchange of gunfire. Security footage captured the terrifying moment when the trio began shooting, with at least 17 rounds echoing inside the mall, striking not only the intended targets but also several bystanders—including two minors, a 15-year-old girl and her 16-year-old brother.

The consequences were severe, with injuries affecting nine innocent mall-goers. Among them was a critically injured 73-year-old woman, who had no connection to the dispute but became a victim of a senseless act of violence. A crime scene reconstruction revealed that six of the victims were shot by Smith, while three were shot by Price.

Accountability for Actions

The justice system has acted swiftly in holding these individuals accountable for their actions. This case was taken on by the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s office, led by Solicitor Rick Hubbard and Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes. The Columbia Police Department was instrumental in handling the extensive investigation that followed the shooting, ensuring that those responsible would face the legal consequences.

Co-defendant Amari Smith has also been sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty. Jewayne Price, who faced a jury, received a steeper sentence of 35 years for his involvement. This tough stance against the perpetrators is part of a broader effort to maintain safety in the communities surrounding Columbia.

Reflections on Public Safety

After Robinson’s sentencing, the overseeing judge, Walton J. McLeod IV, highlighted the importance of these sentences as messages against violence. The aim is to deter other individuals from resorting to similar reckless behavior in the future, showing that there still are consequences for such actions.

In light of these events, Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook emphasized that the safety of the community remains a top priority. He reiterated the commitment to holding violent offenders accountable while fostering an environment where families can feel secure while enjoying public spaces.

The community of Columbia now hopes to rebuild and restore trust, taking this grim episode as a reminder of the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and the protection of public safety. As people come together, they work toward a brighter and safer future, where incidents like the Columbiana Mall shooting become a distant memory.