Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford has released the identity of the individual who died as a result of a fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
The incident took place in the 4300 block of Mellowood Drive. The victim has been identified as Ricky J. Bates, 34, of Columbia, South Carolina.
“We will continue working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to fully investigate this shooting,” Coroner Rutherford states.
The case remains under active investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.
