Trial Progresses in Columbiana Centre Shooting Case
LEXINGTON, S.C. — As the courtroom drama unfolds in the trial of Jewayne Price, one of three individuals linked to the shocking Columbiana Centre shooting from 2022, emotions are running high. On Thursday, testimony continued, painting a vivid picture of that harrowing day when chaos erupted in the shopping center, leaving multiple people injured and the community in shock.
Charges on the Table
Jewayne Price faces serious charges that include two counts of attempted murder and nine counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The courtroom has been filled with discussions about security footage from the incident as both the prosecution and defense weigh in on what really happened during the shooting.
Conflicting Perspectives
Testifying during the proceedings was Columbia Police Department Investigator Chauncy Duckett, whose input became central to the debate over the security videos. The prosecution argued that Price was the one who kicked off the gunfire, while the defense seems to suggest there might be less clarity around those claims. They challenged Duckett’s interpretations, arguing that his conclusions didn’t definitively prove Price’s actions or intentions.
The prosecution presented compelling moments from the footage, pointing out instances where Price allegedly brandished a firearm. But the defense took a different tack, claiming that many of these interpretations of the video were simply not strong enough to build a solid case. The scrutiny around the video evidence has clearly added another layer of complexity to an already challenging trial.
Emotional Testimonies from Victims
Things took a more emotional turn when two minor siblings, who were injured in the tragic shooting, spoke before the court. One sibling, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, described her ongoing struggle with persistent pain and numbness that often worsens at night. “I still feel scared sometimes, especially when I think about my brother,” she shared, revealing the trauma that continues to haunt them following the incident.
Her brother then took the stand, visibly shaken as he recounted his fears during those terrifying moments. He recalled the chilling thought that he could lose his sight after getting shot in both the arm and leg while they were seeking refuge in the back of the store. “Hearing my dad’s voice and a nurse calling out to me helped keep me awake,” he said, his emotions clearly evident. The courtroom maintained strict protocols to keep their identities safe, ensuring that these young survivors could share their stories without fear.
Continued Investigation
As the trial progresses, alongside the siblings’ emotional accounts, more testimonies are expected. A Columbia PD supervisor and a cell phone expert also took the stand to provide further context regarding the shooting. All of this evidence aims to strengthen the state’s case against Price, who continues to maintain his innocence.
The trial is set to resume on Tuesday morning, where we can expect more insights and emotional testimonies as the court teaches us more about that fateful day at Columbiana Centre. Each testimony, each piece of evidence, adds another layer to this unfolding story that has gripped our community and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of violence.
