Columbia, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Over the weekend, Columbia experienced two separate shootings, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The first incident claimed Rachel Branham’s life in Richland County, while the second involved 20-year-old Aiyanna Williams in downtown Columbia. The community is expressing deep concern over rising gun violence and calls for safety measures. Both suspects have been apprehended and face serious charges.
Columbia
Two separate weekend shootings in Columbia have resulted in one death and left several others injured, prompting community concerns over gun violence. The incidents occurred within hours of each other and involved different suspects and victims.
Shooting Claims Life in Richland County
In the first incident, Rachel Branham, 37, of Irmo, was shot and killed early Sunday morning on Forest Walk Court in Richland County. The Richland County Coroner, Nadia Rutherford, confirmed Branham’s identity following the tragic event. A suspect, Keith Bagley, 65, was arrested at the scene shortly after the shooting, around 1:15 a.m.
Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department discovered a second gunshot victim in the vicinity. Bagley was found drinking a beer on a front porch when approached by the deputies. Branham was found lying face down and unresponsive. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim received medical attention and was transported to a hospital for further treatment. It is believed that Bagley, Branham, and the second victim knew each other.
Bagley now faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he awaits a bond hearing.
Separate Shooting in Downtown Columbia
The second incident occurred in downtown Columbia on early Saturday morning, around 1:42 a.m., shortly after bar closing time. This shooting claimed the life of Aiyanna Williams, a 20-year-old nursing student at Stephens College. Several individuals were injured, and three gunshot victims were transported to University Hospital for treatment; one of those victims is currently in critical condition.
During the police investigation, 11 spent 9mm caliber cartridge casings were located at the scene. The alleged shooter, Misael Covarrubias, 23, of Fellsmere, Florida, was apprehended nearby while discarding a pistol that matched the casings found. Covarrubias claimed he shot into a crowd after a verbal altercation escalated. He also admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident, which was detectable at the time of his arrest.
Aiyanna Williams, a graduate of Battle High School, was placed on artificial life support for organ donation and was ultimately declared brain dead. She was known for her compassion and her desire to help others. Covarrubias is facing multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. He made an initial court appearance on Monday, with a bond hearing scheduled for October 7 and a preliminary hearing set for November 6.
Community Response
In response to the shootings, members of the community gathered to honor Aiyanna Williams and discuss the alarming impact of gun violence in society. They called for greater safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key Statistics from the Shootings
- Victims: Rachel Branham (deceased), Aiyanna Williams (brain dead), other injuries sustained.
- Suspects: Keith Bagley (charged with murder), Misael Covarrubias (charged with firearms-related offenses).
- Locations: Richland County (Branham), Downtown Columbia (Williams).
- Charges: Multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault.
FAQ
Who was shot and killed in Richland County?
Rachel Branham, 37, of Irmo, was shot and killed early Sunday on Forest Walk Court in Richland County.
What charges does Keith Bagley face?
Bagley has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Who was the second victim in the downtown Columbia shooting?
The second victim was Aiyanna Williams, a nursing student at Stephens College who was ultimately declared brain dead.
Incident Summary Chart
| Incident | Location | Victim | Suspect | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland County Shooting | Forest Walk Court | Rachel Branham (deceased), Second victim (injured) | Keith Bagley | Murder, attempted murder, weapon possession | In custody, awaiting bond hearing |
| Downtown Columbia Shooting | Downtown Columbia | Aiyanna Williams (brain dead), Three injured | Misael Covarrubias | Assault, armed criminal action, weapon charges | In custody, bond hearing on October 7 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Columbia Police Investigate Fatal Shootings
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Shooting Incident at Columbia Place Mall Injures One
Columbia Community Reels from Mall Shooting Incident
Additional Resources
- KOOM: 11 Shots Fired in Saturday’s Fatal Downtown Columbia Shooting
- ABC 17 News: Stephens College Student Pronounced Dead after Downtown Columbia Shooting
- 939 The Eagle: Update on Criminal Charges Filed Against Downtown Columbia Triple Shooting Suspect
- KMZU: One Dead and Two Injured in Downtown Columbia Shooting
- Kansas City Star: Community Response to Gun Violence
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google Search: Downtown Columbia Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Statistics
- Google News: Columbia 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.
