Crime
A Columbus man, Gage Smith, has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of Autumn Ward
Last updated on January 9th, 2025 at 05:20 am
A 28-year-old Columbus man, Gage Smith, has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Autumn Ward. The incident occurred on Tuesday at an apartment in Columbus.
Smith faces one count of murder in connection with Ward’s death. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
This case adds to a series of recent fatal shootings in Columbus. In November, 24-year-old James A. Locke was charged with murder in the death of Robert Smith on the city’s East Side.
Additionally, a 21-year-old man was fatally shot in Southeast Columbus on December 22, 2024.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about gun violence in the Columbus area. Local authorities continue to investigate these cases to determine the circumstances and motives behind the shootings.
Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.