Suspect identified after fatal shooting in Columbus

Published 12:43 pm Friday, April 12, 2024

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Spartanburg man charged with second-degree murder

 

COLUMBUS—Officials say one person is dead and another was wounded after a shooting that took place on Thursday, April 11, at the Ashley Meadows apartment complex in Columbus.

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Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene at 1:13 p.m. after receiving a call about the shooting at 1:09 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found one individual who was deceased and another with unspecified injuries. 

The suspected shooter was located and arrested at the scene and has been identified as William Nelson Campbell, 19 of Spartanburg. Officials say that it appears the shooting stemmed from a dispute between several individuals at the apartment complex. 

Officials identified the person who died as Dwight Bennett, 20 of Landrum. Chris Rickman, the individual wounded during the incident, was taken to the hospital due to his injuries and later released. 

Campbell has been charged with second-degree murder, assault with serious bodily injury, carrying a concealed firearm and discharging a weapon in an occupied property. He also received drug charges. Campbell is currently being held without bond at Polk County Detention Center. Chief Jeff Ramsey with PCSO says other charges may be brought against Campbell.

Ashley Meadows is an apartment complex located near the intersection of Hwy. 108 and US 74, just a short distance from Polk County High School and Polk County Early College. 

“We want to thank all of our law enforcement, emergency responders and E-911 partners for their hard work and diligence during this response,” said Sheriff Tim Wright on Thursday.

The incident remains under investigation.