COLUMBIA, S.C. — Heartbreaking News from the Fast-Food Scene
Columbia is in shock this week as a horrific incident unfolded at a local fast-food restaurant. A woman was shot and later died from her injuries, leaving the community grappling with the tragedy. The woman, identified by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office as 40-year-old Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon of Columbia, was shot at a bustling Bojangles located at 151 Harbison Boulevard on Thursday morning.
What Happened?
According to police reports, officers rushed to the scene on Thursday after receiving multiple calls about a shooting. When they arrived, they found Hammonds-Colon outside the restaurant in dire need of medical assistance. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Sadly, reports confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries by Friday afternoon.
Investigating the Incident
Now, investigators are turning their attention to the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Ja’Quivian Kennerly. Initially apprehended as a person of interest, Kennerly now faces several serious charges, including murder. Authorities believe that this shooting is not as random as it seems; they claim it stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups in the community.
According to police statements, numerous shots were fired during the incident, suggesting that not just one but multiple individuals may have been involved. While the investigation continues, police have emphasized that they believe this was an *_isolated incident_* and not a threat to the public at large.
The Scene of the Crime
The 100 block of busy Harbison Boulevard was temporarily closed as police officers and deputies from Richland and Lexington counties worked meticulously at the scene, gathering evidence and piecing together what transpired. They are currently combing through security footage from nearby cameras and interviewing witnesses in the hopes of gathering more information about the shooter and any accomplices.
Community Outcry
As the community reels from this tragic loss, many locals are left wondering how such violence can erupt in a place as mundane as a fast-food restaurant. Hammonds-Colon’s untimely death has sparked a wave of concern and calls within the community for increased measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Police are reminding the public that any information regarding the shooting could be crucial to their investigation. If anyone has witnessed the events or has any insights into where Kennerly might be, they are encouraged to take action. Contributions can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC or visiting CrimeSC.com.
Taking Action
This case is touching a nerve in Columbia, and we can expect that area residents will want to know how to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. Local leaders and advocacy groups may step in to push for more resources dedicated to community safety.
If there is a silver lining in this tragic story, it’s the reminder of the strength and resilience of the Columbia community. During these difficult times, we must come together to support one another and find ways to keep our neighborhoods safe.
