Tragic News from Columbia: Woman Dies After Fast Food Shooting
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a shocking turn of events, what should have been a routine Thursday morning has turned tragic for the Columbia community. A local woman, 40-year-old Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon, was shot at a Bojangles restaurant, leading to a desperate search for her alleged assailant.
Details of the Incident
It all went down at the bustling Bojangles located at 151 Harbison Boulevard. Police were called to the scene shortly after the gunfire erupted, discovering Hammonds-Colon outside the restaurant, gravely injured. After quickly transporting her to a nearby hospital, doctors worked tirelessly to save her life. Sadly, her condition worsened, and by Friday afternoon, officials confirmed she had succumbed to her injuries.
The Manhunt Begins
As the community grapples with this heart-wrenching loss, authorities are on the hunt for 23-year-old Ja’Quivian Kennerly. He has now been charged with multiple offenses, including murder. Police stress that they are treating this incident as an *isolated event* that arose from a longstanding dispute between two groups.
According to police reports, a barrage of shots was fired, hinting at the involvement of multiple individuals during the chaos. This shocking display of violence has left many in the area shaken and questioning the safety of their neighborhoods.
Impact on the Community
The incident forced a temporary closure of the busy 100 block of Harbison Boulevard, as law enforcement officials, including deputies from both Richland and Lexington counties, worked diligently. Officers were seen combing through the area, gathering evidence, and piecing together the events that unfolded.
In an effort to find Kennerly, police are reviewing surveillance video from nearby cameras and are actively interviewing witnesses who may have seen or heard anything during the incident. They encourage anyone with information to step forward, emphasizing that sharing details could be crucial in bringing the suspect to justice.
How to Help
If you have any information that could assist the police, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or check out their website at CrimeSC.com. Every little bit of information helps, and it’s vital for the police to collect as much evidence as possible in cases like this.
A Call for Community Safety
As Columbia residents process this unfortunate incident, many are left questioning the state of safety in their community. Fast food spots, which are meant to be places of comfort and convenience, should not be the backdrop for violence. The local community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon during this tragic time. Let’s hope for justice to be served swiftly, bringing to light the issues that may lead to such devastating occurrences in the future.
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.
