Columbia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
A 17-year-old suspect, Paul Henry, has been arrested for the shooting death of 16-year-old Joshua Edmonds in the Arthurtown neighborhood of Richland County. The incident took place during daylight hours, and Henry has been charged with multiple serious offenses, raising concerns about youth violence in the community. Edmonds was a student with aspirations to become a mechanic and leaves behind three siblings. Grief counseling has been made available to the school community following the tragic event.
Columbia
A 17-year-old suspect, Paul Henry, has been taken into custody for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old, Joshua Edmonds, in the Arthurtown neighborhood of Richland County. The shooting occurred in broad daylight on September 23, around 5:30 p.m..
Richland County deputies responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 200 block of Aster Circle, off Bluff Road. During the response, bystanders informed deputies about the shooting incident. Joshua Edmonds was found with gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim as Joshua Edmonds, 16, from Columbia.
The investigation revealed that Henry shot at two juvenile victims, one being Edmonds, while walking through the neighborhood; another victim was present but was not injured. Paul Henry has been charged as an adult with several offenses: Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime, and Possession of a Firearm Under 18. Henry is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing; no date has been set for the hearing.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department considers this shooting an isolated incident and is continuing the investigation. Joshua Edmonds was an Irmo High School student, set to graduate in 2027, with aspirations to become a mechanic. Lakeisha Edmonds, Joshua’s mother, expressed her devastation and described her son as an athlete who loved to make people laugh. She stated that he was not friends with the shooter. Edmonds leaves behind three siblings, including a twin brother.
Henry’s arrest brings concern regarding youth involvement in violent crimes, as stated by family members of the victim. Grief counselors are available for the school community following the tragic incident. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers.
Background Context
Gun violence continues to be a critical issue affecting communities across the country. This incident highlights the increasing number of violent crimes committed by youth, raising alarms among family members and community members regarding safety. The involvement of a minor in such serious offenses amplifies concerns about youth conduct and the factors leading to these violent encounters.
FAQs
What happened in Columbia involving Joshua Edmonds?
A 17-year-old suspect, Paul Henry, has been taken into custody for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old, Joshua Edmonds, in the Arthurtown neighborhood of Richland County.
What charges has Paul Henry faced?
Paul Henry has been charged as an adult with several offenses: Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime, and Possession of a Firearm Under 18.
How did the shooting incident occur?
The investigation revealed that Henry shot at two juvenile victims, one being Edmonds, while walking through the neighborhood; another victim was present but was not injured.
What support is available for Joshua Edmonds’ school community?
Grief counselors are available for the school community following the tragic incident.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Paul Henry |
| Victim Name | Joshua Edmonds |
| Incident Date | September 23 |
| Charges | Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime, Possession of a Firearm Under 18 |
| Location | Arthurtown neighborhood, Richland County |
| Support Available | Grief counselors for the school community |
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Additional Resources
- WIS News: Mother Remembers Son
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WLTX: Fatal Shooting in Columbia
- Google Search: Youth Violence
- The State: Shooting Incident Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime
- WIS News: Suspect Identified
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
- WACH News: Deadly Shooting Investigation
- Google News: Richland County Shooting
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