Fatal Shooting at The Roost Apartment Complex in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina, August 27, 2025

News Summary

Authorities have identified JoKayne Carter, a 19-year-old, as the victim of a shooting at The Roost apartment complex in southeast Columbia. Following the incident, two suspects have been charged with murder. The shooting has raised concerns about safety in the student-heavy area. Investigations are ongoing as the community seeks answers regarding the motive behind the attack.

Columbia – Authorities have identified 19-year-old JoKayne Carter as the victim of a fatal shooting that took place on August 22, 2025, at The Roost apartment complex in southeast Columbia. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to the area following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Carter lying in the street with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an extensive investigation, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Tyron Shelley, 19, and Ta’John Goodwin, 20, both of whom face murder charges in Carter’s case. Shelley was apprehended at his residence in Columbia’s Earlewood neighborhood, where law enforcement officials discovered a stolen firearm. Goodwin turned himself in to the sheriff’s department with the support of his family the day after the shooting.

Authorities have also identified a gold Chevrolet Tahoe as the suspect vehicle linked to the incident, and reports suggest that Carter was allegedly thrown from this vehicle prior to the shooting. Investigators continue to work diligently to uncover the motive behind the attack.

The Roost complex, where the shooting occurred, markets itself as a residence suited for students, providing shuttle services to the University of South Carolina (USC). This incident is the latest in a series of unsettling events affecting the area, as it coincided with a false active shooter alert at USC that was reported on August 24, 2025. The university confirmed upon investigation that there was no evidence to support claims of an active shooter on campus.

The investigation into JoKayne Carter’s shooting is ongoing as law enforcement authorities seek to gather more information and context surrounding the circumstances of his death, as well as the motive behind the actions of the alleged shooters.

Background Information

Columbia, South Carolina, has seen a rise in violence in recent years, which, according to local authorities, underscores the urgency in addressing crime in the community. The area surrounding The Roost complex is primarily frequented by students, making incidents like this particularly distressing for residents and university community members. Following tragic events like Carter’s shooting, local officials grapple with the need for enhanced public safety measures and community outreach programs aimed at crime prevention.

Conclusion

The recent fatal shooting of JoKayne Carter has sparked significant concern in the Columbia community, especially amongst students residing in the area. With the arrests made and ongoing investigations, officials hope to provide answers and restore a sense of security to residents.

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Southern Drive Apartment Shooting Update
• Wikipedia: Shooting
• ABC Columbia: USC Reports Active Shooter
• Google Search: University of South Carolina shooting news
• CNN: University of South Carolina Active Shooter Reported
• Google Scholar: Columbia shooting incidents
• The State: Columbia Crime News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia South Carolina
• Cola Daily: Columbia Police Detain Person After Fatal Shooting
• Google News: shooting Columbia South Carolina

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