COLUMBIA, S.C. () — A shooting at an Airbnb in Columbia, South Carolina, left one teenager dead and three others hospitalized.
During a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, officials reported that the incident occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. on Friday. While officers were patrolling the Elmwood Park area, they received a call concerning a potential break-in, which swiftly escalated to reports of gunfire and then someone being shot.
Upon arriving at the residence on Lincoln Street, the officers entered forcefully after hearing cries from inside. “They were immediately confronted with an extremely tumultuous scene with several victims,” explained Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook. “Four young individuals had been shot multiple times.”
Jayden Cavon Brackens, aged eighteen, was pronounced dead at the location. “He succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and no other causes,” stated Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford. “Be careful about what you share on social media. His mother, his family, and his community are seeing the incorrect information you are posting.”
The three other victims — two 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old — are still in the hospital. All are from the Columbia area.
Police described the scene inside the Airbnb as devastating. “This shooting crime scene can only be described as a war zone,” Holbrook said. “The level of destruction caused by the gun and the gunfire was really just indescribable.”
More than 30 shell casings were found from multiple weapons, including an assault-style rifle.
So far, two arrests have been made. A 15-year-old male is facing charges including armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a crime. An 18-year-old has been charged with murder, three counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and more. His full name was not released.
Police are still looking for a third suspect, another 15-year-old boy. “We anticipate additional charges and additional arrests,” Holbrook said. “This investigation is advancing rapidly and effectively.”
Cornerstone Properties owns the house where the shooting happened and was being rented as an Airbnb. Police have issued a notice of intent to declare the property a public nuisance. “The owner has been ordered to cease operations of the Airbnb immediately,” Holbrook added. “They’ve been 100% cooperative.”
Some neighbors say they’ve long had concerns about short-term rentals in the area. Holbrook said that’s a separate issue that the city’s code enforcement division may address.
As for motive, police say it’s still unclear. “We have some working theories,” Holbrook said. “But we do not have a motive that we’re in a position to speak on with certainty.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbia Police or call Crime Stoppers.
