Second Suspect Arrested in Deadly Columbia BP Gas Station Shooting
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a BP gas station on Farrow Road in Columbia last month, according to the Columbia Police Department.
Tyrell Shephard Arrested Weeks After Shooting
Police said 29-year-old Tyrell K. Shephard was taken into custody on September 4 at Harbison Station. He is charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The shooting happened on August 22 at the BP station located at 3213 Farrow Road. Officers responded around 10 p.m. and found the victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body. The man was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
First Arrest Made in August
The day after the shooting, police located a vehicle of interest in the 1400 block of Assembly Street. When the driver refused to stop, a pursuit began. With assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, authorities arrested 32-year-old Steven D. Martin.
Martin was initially charged with failure to stop for blue lights, reckless driving, and narcotics violations. He now also faces charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Suspects Knew the Victim
Investigators confirmed that both Shephard and Martin were acquainted with the victim, though police have not released details about their relationship or the motive.
Both suspects are being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center as the investigation continues. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) assisted with Shephard’s arrest.
This case adds to a troubling rise in violent crime across Columbia, where police say many shootings involve disputes among acquaintances rather than strangers.
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