COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — The early morning silence in a quiet Columbia neighborhood was shattered by gunfire that left 29-year-old Devonte Redmond dead outside the Columbia Garden Apartments.
The deadly shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday near Plowden Road, a residential area not far from several schools and small businesses. Neighbors reported hearing a rapid burst of shots, followed by screams, before police flooded the complex within minutes of the 911 call.
When officers arrived, they found Devonte Redmond lying motionless near a parking area within the apartment complex. Officers immediately began performing CPR, working urgently to restore his pulse as emergency medical crews rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, Redmond was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived. The Richland County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity and the cause of death as gunshot wounds.
Police quickly established a perimeter, sealing off multiple entrances to the complex as investigators combed through the area. A K-9 unit was brought in to track possible scent trails leading away from the scene. Forensic teams marked shell casings and collected evidence under floodlights while officers interviewed shaken residents who had witnessed or heard the shooting.
Detectives with the Columbia Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit have since taken over the investigation. As of Wednesday afternoon, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that every tip is being reviewed carefully.
The department has urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC, assuring that tips can be provided anonymously. Police believe that even small details — such as unusual vehicles or suspicious movements around the time of the shooting — could be critical in finding those responsible.
Residents of Columbia Garden Apartments described the night as chaotic and terrifying. One woman who lives nearby said she woke up to the sound of gunfire echoing across the parking lot. “I hit the floor,” she said. “When I looked out the window, I saw flashing lights everywhere. It’s heartbreaking — this isn’t something you ever get used to.”
The shooting has left many in the community mourning and searching for answers. Friends of Redmond described him as a quiet, respectful man who largely kept to himself but was known for his kindness and loyalty. “He didn’t deserve this,” one longtime friend said. “He was just trying to live his life.”
City leaders and anti-violence advocates have expressed concern over the continuing trend of late-night shootings in residential neighborhoods. They are calling for unity, cooperation, and renewed community engagement to help curb gun violence that continues to devastate families and neighborhoods across Columbia.
As investigators continue their search for justice, candles and flowers have begun to appear near the spot where Devonte Redmond’s life was cut short. His death has left an emptiness in the hearts of those who knew him — a painful reminder of how fragile peace can be and how deeply one act of violence can wound an entire community.
