Cayce Community Reels After Fatal Shooting Outside Local Fast-Food Restaurant

Cayce, SC – Community in Shock After Tragic Shooting Incident

It’s a day that many in the community are hoping to put behind them as sadness blankets Cayce and surrounding areas following a tragic shooting last week. The event occurred outside a popular fast-food joint, Bojangles, located on Harbison Boulevard, casting a shadow over this close-knit neighborhood.

Details Unfolding

According to officials, the incident took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The victim, identified as Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon, a 40-year-old resident of neighboring Columbia, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, she passed away the very next day, on November 15, 2024.

The local coroner, Margaret Fisher, confirmed the news and reported that an autopsy was subsequently conducted at MUSC in Charleston, SC. The detailed inquiry into the incident is currently being conducted by both the Columbia Police Department and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office, who are working diligently to gather more information and bring justice to those affected.

A Heartfelt Community Response

In the days following the shooting, residents in areas like Springdale, South Congaree, and Pine Ridge have expressed their disbelief and sorrow. Community safety is a top priority for many, and incidents like this raise eyebrows and spark conversations among parents, workers, and students alike about how to ensure safer environments in places where they often gather.

Social media channels have also been flooded with messages of support for Hammonds-Colon’s family and calls for a community vigil. Local leaders in Gaston’s neighborhood, along with active voices from Swansea and Pelion, are discussing ways to engage the community in healing and preventative measures to curb violence.

More Than Just a Statistics

While a loss like this is often marked merely as a statistic, community members are making an effort to remember Hammonds-Colon as a vibrant individual who touched many lives. Friends and family are sharing memories, reflecting on her kind spirit and warm smile that will surely be missed.

Next Steps

As investigations continue, residents are reminded that they can play a role in their community’s well-being. Local authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be shared via the hotline at (803) 587-3144 or by emailing the local news outlet directly. Every small bit of information can help bring more clarity to this heartbreaking situation.

Community Vigil Planned

In light of the recent events, local community leaders are organizing a vigil to honor Hammonds-Colon’s memory, fostering a space for grieving and healing. Families from Lexington, Oak Grove, and Red Bank/White Knoll are expected to come together as they share in this moment of reflection and hope for a safer community.

Looking Ahead

As residents of Chapin, Irmo, and Lake Murray prepare to attend the vigil, the discussions surrounding community safety, compassion, and involvement become more pressing. It’s a time for neighbors to unite and show support for one another as they navigate through this difficult chapter in their lives. The road to healing may be long, but together, Cayce and its surrounding areas can move forward, hand in hand.