Columbia, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident in Columbia, SC, has left 16-year-old Joshua Edmonds dead following a daylight shooting. A 17-year-old suspect, Paul Henry, has been arrested and charged with murder. Joshua’s mother believes he was targeted, while the local community mourns the loss. Schools have deployed grief counselors to support affected students as discussions on youth gun violence intensify.
Columbia, South Carolina – A 16-year-old boy named Joshua Edmonds was shot and killed in broad daylight on Tuesday evening in an incident that has shocked the local community. The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Aster Circle, prompting a response from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department after a ShotSpotter alert was triggered due to gunfire in the area.
When deputies arrived, they discovered Joshua with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was later pronounced dead. A 17-year-old suspect, identified as Paul Henry, has been arrested and charged as an adult with several serious crimes, including murder and attempted murder. Additionally, Henry faces charges of possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a firearm under the age of 18.
According to reports, Joshua’s mother, Lakeisha Edmonds, expressed her belief that her son was specifically targeted during the incident and that he was not friends with the alleged shooter, Paul Henry. During the altercation, another teenager was present but fortunately sustained no injuries.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, Lakeisha described the past few days as an emotional roller coaster, sharing feelings of shock, anger, and devastation over the loss of her son. Joshua was a student at Irmo High School, where he was scheduled to graduate in 2027, and expressed aspirations of becoming a mechanic. He leaves behind three siblings, including a twin brother.
Joshua’s older brother, Emmanuel Edmonds, conveyed hopes that this incident could prompt positive change for the suspect involved. Lakeisha has indicated plans to plead with the judge not to grant bond to Paul Henry during his upcoming bond hearing, though no date for this hearing has been set yet.
In response to the incident, the Lexington-Richland School District 5 has arranged for grief counselors to support students grappling with the implications of this tragedy. Lakeisha fondly remembers her son as an athlete who was full of life and someone who brought laughter to those around him.
Key Details of the Incident
- Victim: Joshua Edmonds, 16 years old
- Suspect: Paul Henry, 17 years old
- Charges against suspect: Murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of firearm under 18
- Date of Incident: Tuesday, around 5:30 p.m.
- Location: 200 block of Aster Circle, Columbia, SC
- School: Irmo High School, graduating class of 2027
Community Support
The incident has prompted widespread sorrow within the community, with many seeking to honor Joshua’s memory and support his family during this difficult time. The Lexington-Richland School District has stepped in to assist students affected by the tragedy, providing necessary counseling services.
Background Context
Gun violence among teenagers has become a pressing issue in the United States, with incidents occurring across the country. The heartbreak of losing a young life such as Joshua’s raises concerns about the safety of youth in their neighborhoods and the importance of addressing the underlying factors contributing to such violence.
Next Steps
As the legal process unfolds regarding Paul Henry’s charges, the community remains concerned and attentive to how this incident will impact local teenagers and families. The response from the school district and local leaders may serve as a critical factor in discussing gun violence and safety measures in the area moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in the Columbia shooting?
A 16-year-old boy named Joshua Edmonds was shot and killed in a shooting in Columbia, South Carolina.
What charges have been brought against the suspect?
A 17-year-old suspect, Paul Henry, has been arrested and charged as an adult with multiple offenses, including murder and attempted murder.
What was the community’s response to the incident?
The Lexington-Richland School District 5 has made grief counselors available for students affected by the tragedy.
What were Joshua Edmonds’ aspirations?
Joshua was a student at Irmo High School, set to graduate in 2027, and had aspirations of becoming a mechanic.
What will happen next in the case?
Lakeisha intends to plead with the judge not to grant bond to Paul Henry during his upcoming bond hearing, for which no date has been set.
Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Joshua Edmonds |
| Age | 16 |
| Suspect | Paul Henry |
| Suspect Age | 17 |
| Incident Date | Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. |
| Location | 200 block of Aster Circle, Columbia, SC |
| Charges against Suspect | Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, Possession of Firearm Under 18 |
| School | Irmo High School |
| Upcoming Hearing | No date set |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Fatal Shooting on Mellowood Drive
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- WIS TV: Mom Remembers Son Killed
- Google Search: Columbia SC shooting
- ABC Columbia: Teen Charged as Adult
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence in America
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.
