Columbia Jury Convicts Man in Mall Mass Shooting Case
In a striking turn of events, Columbia, S.C., found itself in the spotlight this past Thursday as a jury swiftly reached a verdict in a high-profile case stemming from the tragic mass shooting at the Columbiana Centre mall during Easter weekend of 2022. The defendant, 24-year-old Jewayne Price, was found guilty on all charges, including attempted murder, after the jury deliberated for just over an hour.
The incident, which left more than a dozen individuals injured, involved a chaotic scene where nine people, ranging in age from 15 to 73, were shot. The details surrounding that fateful day made for an intense trial. 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, the lead prosecutor, emphasized the gravity of the event, stating, “None of them have self-defense.” He laid out a compelling argument, asserting that all three accused—Price, Amari Smith, and Marquise Robinson—shared equal responsibility for the violence that erupted.
A Fight Gone Wrong
According to Hubbard, Price was the one who escalated the situation. “Who ramped it up that high? Price,” he pressed to the jury. The prosecutor described how Price, fueled by a longstanding feud with the other two men—rooted in a tragic murder from 2018—came into the crowded mall ready for a fight. “When this hate met up in the middle of the mall, it didn’t turn into an exchange of words or a first fight, it turned into warfare,” Hubbard said, once again stressing the collective guilt of the trio.
It was clear the prosecution depicted Price as the instigator that day. They argued that the crowded mall, bustling with families and children, was the tragic backdrop against which this violence unfolded. The contrast of a joyous Easter weekend against a backdrop of gunfire underscored the seriousness of the events.
The Defense’s Perspective
On the flip side, Price’s defense attorney, Todd Rutherford, painted a different picture during his closing arguments. He passionately asserted that Price was merely trying to defend himself from Smith and Robinson, who he suggested were the real aggressors. “They’re asking you to find Mr. Price of attempting to kill the people that were attempting to kill him,” he argued. Rutherford referred to the moments leading up to the shooting—suggesting that his client was being closely followed by two armed men, arguing that such circumstances justified a fear for his life.
However, the prosecution didn’t buy this defense. Video evidence played for the jurors showed Price in a police car after the shooting, raising questions about his state of mind. “Not ‘Oh my God. Who’s hurt? How bad? Any kids?’” Hubbard pointed out, highlighting Price’s apparent lack of concern for the victims following the chaos.
Voices of the Victims
As the trial progressed, several victims took the stand to recount their harrowing experiences. The emotional toll of reliving that day was clear, with many expressing doubts about ever feeling safe in the mall again. This poignant testimony added a deeply human element to the court proceedings, driving home the lasting impact of that traumatic day on innocent lives.
What Lies Ahead?
While the jury’s decision marked a significant moment in the judicial process, it is not the end. Price’s defense team has expressed intentions to appeal, claiming that the jury was misled regarding key aspects of self-defense and mutual combat. Meanwhile, the trials for Smith and Robinson are ongoing, with Smith’s trial scheduled to begin shortly.
As Columbia processes this trial and its verdict, one can only hope that the community finds healing after such a widespread act of violence. The ongoing discussions around self-defense laws and mutual combat, especially in light of recent events, will likely persist as critical points of consideration in future cases.
