Columbia, S.C. – A Closer Look at the Trial Following the Columbiana Centre Mall Shooting
It’s been two and a half years since the tragic events unfolded at Columbiana Centre Mall during Easter weekend, leaving a painful scar on the community. As the trial of Jewayne Price, one of the three individuals charged in connection with the mass shooting, continues, victims have finally found the opportunity to share their harrowing stories in the courtroom.
The Impact of Trauma
During this week’s proceedings, numerous victims took the stand to discuss the long-lasting effects of that dreadful day. Over the course of the trial, it became painfully clear that the aftermath of the shooting has lingered for these individuals well beyond the initial chaos. One victim revealed that she continues to suffer from digestive problems caused by the trauma, requiring several surgeries to address injuries sustained during the incident.
A 16-year-old gunshot victim shared her story, recounting the moment she was shot in the back. She explained, “After being injured, I was terrified. I called my dad, told him I was shot, and asked if I was going to die.” The emotional weight of her testimony filled the courtroom as she recalled pleading with her father to reach her quickly before losing connection.
Difficult Decisions in the Courtroom
In a pre-trial hearing held in August, Price stated that he acted in self-defense amidst the tumult at the crowded mall. His lawyers argued that he should be shielded from prosecution under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law. However, Circuit Court Judge Walton McLeod disagreed, allowing the trial to progress. The courtroom drama escalated as the prosecution laid out their case, claiming that it was Price who was the initial aggressor.
Visual Evidence and Expert Testimony
On Tuesday, Tom Smith, an expert in crime scene reconstruction from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, testified regarding surveillance footage from the mall. Smith’s observations were crucial; Price was seen stepping towards Marquise Robinson, another co-defendant, with a firearm drawn. “This indicates that he was the one instigating the confrontation,” explained Smith.
The prosecution argued that evidence shows the bullets fired from Price’s gun injured at least three innocent bystanders, and under the legal concept of mutual combat, all defendants could be held responsible for the injuries suffered by the nine victims.
The Defense Makes Its Case
While the prosecution wrapped up their case, Price’s defense team remained confident in their argument for self-defense. Defense attorney Todd Rutherford engaged the courtroom in a demonstration aimed at highlighting that Price did not merely flee from the threat but continued to confront it, bandying back and forth with questions regarding Price’s actions during the chaos.
The Road Ahead
As the trial enters its final stages, closing arguments from both sides are expected on Thursday morning. It is anticipated that both Amari Smith and Marquise Robinson, the other two defendants, will face trial after Price’s conclusion. All three men are facing serious charges, including attempted murder.
The community continues to brace itself as the legal process unfolds, bringing to light the painful experiences of those impacted by the tragic shooting. With each testimony, it’s evident that the lasting effects of that day will resonate far beyond the courtroom—shaping lives, memories, and a collective memory of resilience in the face of such adversity.
