Coroner Holds Formal Inquest into Death of Man Shot by Columbia Police

An inquest hearing will be held Tuesday into the death of a 21-year-old man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Columbia in May, according to a report from The State. 


Richland County Coroner Gary Watts will hold the inquest in a Richland County courtroom to investigate the shooting death of Ajani Mitchell who was shot by Columbia Police officers at a home in the 5800 block of Conveyor Street on May 25.

Police responded to the home after a woman reported her son threatened her and that he had a gun.

In July, Watts said he made the decision to hold the formal inquest after reviewing a report from the State Law Enforcement Division and receiving numerous calls concerning the incident. 

The inquest will be conducted with the assistance of a prosecutor from the 5th Circuit Solicitor's Office. A six-member jury will hear testimony, examine the facts and the evidence, and issue a ruling in the matter.

A Columbia Police spokeswoman said at the time that officers fired at Mitchell because they feared for their own lives and safety after he ignored commands to drop his weapon.