Columbia, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Recent shootings in Columbia and Blythewood have left the community shaken. Zakiyah Ali, a 30-year-old woman, succumbed to injuries after being shot at an InTown Suites hotel, leading to a murder charge against Jerry Williams. Separately, Maria L. Canales, 70, was killed on Haygood Road. As crime rates rise, discussions on establishing a local police department in Blythewood are intensifying amid budget constraints. Residents are urging for measures to enhance public safety.
Columbia
A 30-year-old woman named Zakiyah Ali from Columbia died after being shot at an InTown Suites hotel on Two Notch Road. The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday, led to Ali’s death two days later, on Tuesday. Authorities from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department found her around 6 p.m. on the day of the shooting with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Jerry Williams, a 33-year-old man, was arrested and initially charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with the shooting. Following Ali’s death, Williams has since been upgraded to a murder charge, with no bond set and previous charges denied bail.
Witnesses reported that an argument preceded the shooting incident involving Ali. This incident has heightened community fears regarding safety in Columbia.
In a separate shooting incident on September 14, two people were injured at the Redpoint Apartments on Southern Drive. Jonathan Bethea, a 20-year-old resident, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Bethea allegedly opened fire after engaging in a fight, despite the victims being uninvolved in the altercation. Both individuals injured were promptly treated at a hospital after being found at the scene of the incident.
Bethea was apprehended during a traffic stop in Horry County and subsequently extradited back to Richland County, where he currently remains in custody.
In another separate incident, a shooting occurred on Monday on Haygood Road in Blythewood, claiming the life of a 70-year-old woman, Maria L. Canales, while her 37-year-old son was injured. The accused, Fred Gause Jr., has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
The recent spate of shootings in the Blythewood area has sparked community concerns over safety, leading to discussions on establishing a local police department. Blythewood’s population has been steadily growing, with over 6,200 residents currently calling the town home, and more developments anticipated in the future.
Although there have been calls for a local police department, financial constraints are posing challenges. Currently, Blythewood relies on the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement. Local officials have noted that while both State Representative Kambrell Garvin and councilman Rich McKenrick recognize the potential benefit of a local police department, budgetary constraints remain a key consideration.
The town’s budget for 2025-26 stands at approximately $5.1 million. Notably, residents do not directly fund town services, such as policing, through taxes. Comparisons have been drawn with other towns of similar sizes that have successfully funded their own police departments, igniting discussions about potential solutions to enhance public safety in Blythewood.
Summary of Recent Shootings
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting at InTown Suites | Zakiyah Ali shot; Jerry Williams charged with murder |
| Shooting at Redpoint Apartments | Two injured; Jonathan Bethea charged with attempted murder |
| Shooting on Haygood Road | Maria L. Canales killed; Fred Gause Jr. charged with murder |
Concerns Over Community Safety
The recent shootings in Blythewood and Columbia have raised urgent discussions about the community’s safety and the need for enhanced law enforcement. Local officials and residents are confronted with the stark reality of rising crime rates and are actively exploring viable solutions that ensure public safety while navigating financial considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the details of the shooting incident involving Zakiyah Ali?
A 30-year-old woman named Zakiyah Ali from Columbia died after being shot at an InTown Suites hotel on Two Notch Road. Ali was shot on Sunday and died on Tuesday, two days after the incident.
Who was arrested in connection with Zakiyah Ali’s shooting?
A 33-year-old man, Jerry Williams, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime after the shooting. Williams has since been charged with murder, with no bond set for this charge, and was denied bond on the prior charges.
What happened at Redpoint Apartments?
In a separate incident, a shooting at the Redpoint Apartments on Southern Drive left two people injured on September 14. 20-year-old Jonathan Bethea has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime related to this shooting.
Was there another shooting incident in Blythewood?
A 70-year-old woman, Maria L. Canales, was killed in a shooting on Haygood Road in Blythewood, and her 37-year-old son was injured. A suspect, Fred Gause Jr., has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
What are the community concerns regarding safety?
Concerns over safety in Blythewood have increased due to these shootings, raising discussions on the need for a local police department. Blythewood has a growing population, currently over 6,200 residents, with future increases expected due to new housing developments.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Man accused of opening fire during fight at Columbia-area apartment complex injuring 2
- WLTX: Blythewood shooting victim identified as Maria Canales
- The State: Recent shooting incidents in Columbia and Blythewood
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WIS TV: Victim identified in fatal shooting at Richland County hotel
- Google Search: Columbia shooting news
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