COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victim in a fatal shooting at a Bluff Road apartment complex and arrested two suspects on murder charges.
Authorities say the deceased is 19-year-old JoKayne Carter. Deputies responded to a shooting call at 1051 Southern Drive, within The Roost student housing complex, shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Friday, where they discovered him unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Within hours, police arrested 19-year-old Tyron Shelley in the Earlewood neighborhood, after identifying a gold Chevy Tahoe believed to be involved in the crime. Investigators also recovered a firearm, reported to be stolen from Florence County, at Shelley’s residence.
A second suspect, 20-year-old Ta’John Goodwin, turned himself in to authorities with help from his family, shortly after. Both men are currently booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and face murder charges.
Investigation Underway
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Columbia community, particularly given the location’s proximity to off-campus student residences. Deputies are continuing their investigation, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to establish motives and circumstances.
Richland County officials have not released further details about the suspects’ relationship to Carter or whether they were known to one another. Sheriff’s Department representatives have urged anyone with information to come forward via Crime Stoppers, emphasizing that secrecy impedes justice.
Community Response
Neighbors and students living in The Roost community spoke of the tragedy with concern and disbelief.
The shooting at a student housing complex has raised fresh concerns about public safety, particularly in areas frequented by young adults. Calls for increased security and campus outreach efforts are gaining momentum as students and residents look for ways to protect vulnerable spaces.
Bottom Line
JoKayne Carter’s death is a devastating loss for his family and the Columbia community—a sobering reminder of how quickly life can be altered by violence. With both Tyron Shelley and Ta’John Goodwin now in custody and charged with his murder, authorities hope the ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances leading to this tragedy and bring clarity to a grieving community.