News Summary
Jewayne Price, 25, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in the Columbiana Centre mall shooting in Columbia, SC, which injured nine bystanders. The shooting, stemming from a dispute, resulted in severe legal consequences for Price, who was convicted of attempted murder and multiple assault charges. As the first of three men to be sentenced, Price’s actions and the chaotic mall shootout have raised significant concerns about public safety.
Columbiana Mall Shooting: Jewayne Price Sentenced to 35 Years
In a major turn of events in Columbia, South Carolina, Jewayne Price, aged 25, has been sentenced to a substantial 35 years behind bars for his involvement in the chaotic and tragic shooting that erupted at the Columbiana Centre mall on Easter weekend 2022.
The Gripping Incident
The shooting, which took place on April 16, 2022, left nine innocent bystanders injured, with victims spanning a wide age range from a mere 16 to a vulnerable 73 years old. Among these victims, one suffered critical injuries while another young individual was struck in the back. Such heart-wrenching details have startled the community, emphasizing the need for public safety.
Price’s reckless actions began when he confronted two men, Marquise Robinson and Amari Smith, amid a longstanding dispute between them. Surveillance footage revealed the moment when Price drew a 9mm firearm and opened fire at Robinson, who quickly retaliated with his own weapon. The damned scene escalated into a terrifying shootout that erupted within the mall, leaving shoppers in a state of panic.
Legal Consequences
As a direct result of his actions, Price was convicted of two counts of attempted murder and an astounding nine counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. It is important to note that all three men involved in this shocking incident emerged physically unscathed from the bustling mall shootout, while innocent bystanders bore the devastating brunt of the violence.
The judge overseeing the case, Walton McLeod, emphasized the critical message conveyed by Price’s sentence: bringing violence into public spaces simply will not be tolerated.
Awaiting Justice for Others
Price is the first among the trio to face sentencing; his accomplices, Robinson and Smith, are still awaiting their turn in court. Smith has already pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder alongside nine counts of assault and battery. Robinson has faced the law, being convicted on assault and battery charges yet acquitted of the more serious attempted murder charge.
Interestingly, Price was found to have illegally carried a concealed firearm into the mall, blatantly ignoring clear prohibitions on such actions. This remarkable detail raises serious questions about the ongoing security measures in place at the mall, a popular shopping destination for families in the area.
The Bigger Picture
The simmering feud between Price, Smith, and Robinson has roots stretching back to yet another shooting incident involving a separate victim back in 2018. This murky backdrop further highlights the continuous cycle of violence that plagues some individuals, leading to horrific public encounters like the one witnessed in Columbiana Centre.
During court proceedings, victims shared harrowing testimony about the lasting impact of that fateful day. Their lives were irrevocably altered in an instant, a reality that resonates deeply within the community. As attorneys and advocates push for justice, Solicitor Rick Hubbard pointed out that all three men share equal responsibility for the rampant violence that erupted, stressing the critical importance of seeking justice for those affected.
A Call for Change
Judge McLeod’s comments during sentencing were not just focused on punishment but rather imploring society to consider deterring events like this from reoccurring. The tragic consequences of such public violence extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and communities for generations to come.
With Price now on his way to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to commence his lengthy sentence, the case remains a pivotal lesson that communities, lawmakers, and individuals alike must reflect on—the safety of public spaces and the dire consequences of unchecked disputes. It’s a stark reminder to us all that violence has no place in our lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Council Under Pressure to Revise Impact Fees
Guilty Plea Entered in Columbiana Centre Shooting Case as Community Grapples with Aftermath
Jury Quickly Finds Man Guilty in Columbiana Centre Mall Shooting Case
Trial Ongoing for Columbiana Centre Mall Mass Shooting as Victims Share Heartbreaking Testimonies
Trial for Columbiana Centre Mall Shooting Defendant Jewayne Price Reveals Emotional Impact on Victims
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- The State
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
- FITSNews
- Google Search: Columbiana Mall Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
