Crime & Safety

Update: Men Accused of Torturing, Killing 2 People

Deputies have arrested two men in connection with the death of two people deputies said were tortured before being shot to death. Richland County Coroner's Office releases names of victims

Updated, 2:22 p.m.: The Richland County Coroner's Office has relased the names of the two men police say were tortured and killed at a Garner's Ferry Road apartment in June. 

Athell Johnson, 24, and Jamall Pratt, 23, both of Columbia, died June 29 at Palmetto Richland Memorial, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said in a release.

Both Johnson and Pratt died from complications of a gunshot wound to the head, he said. 

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Deputies found the two men on June 28 inside an apartment at 8100 Garner's Ferry Road, according to the sheriff's department. 

Richland County Sheriff's deputies arrested William Anthony Wallace, 27, and DeAndre Leroy Diggs, 36, with two counts of murder among other charges.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Richland County Sheriffs Department continues to investigate.

Original, 12:17 p.m.: Richland County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men accused of torturing and killing two people at an apartment on Garner's Ferry Road and injuring another person. 

William Anthony Wallace, 27, and DeAndre Leroy Diggs, 36, are charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of kidnapping and two counts of armed robbery.   

Deputies found two men who were tortured and shot in the head on June 28 inside an apartment at 8100 Garner's Ferry Road, according to the sheriff's department. 

A 24-year-old woman who was found injured by the road led deputies to the victims at the apartment, according to the sheriff's department. A motorist found the woman on Beckham Swamp and Bluff roads and flagged down a deputy on patrol just before noon on June 28. 

The woman, who had severe injuries to her head, was taken to Palmetto Richland Hospital, according to the sheriff's department. She is expected to recover.

The two male victims were transported to the hospital where they later died from their injuries, deputies said.

around 4 p.m. on June 28 at Bush River Road and I-26.

Deputies arrested Diggs around 10:15 a.m. on July 5 at 621 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia. 

Both men are being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. 

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.