On a late afternoon in West Columbia, South Carolina, the life of Frankie Orlando Gardner, a 35-year-old Black man, was tragically cut short. On Wednesday, December 29, 2021, police were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Shull Street around 4:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mr. Gardner with a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known affectionately as 'Junior' to his friends and family, Frankie Gardner was remembered as a loving and caring individual with an infectious smile that could light up any room. He was a man who enjoyed spending time with his family, cracking jokes, and was often the life of the party. By profession, he was a truck driver, having earned his commercial driver's license in 2018. His death sent ripples of grief through his community, where he was known for his ability to form a special bond with everyone he met.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the West Columbia Police Department launched an investigation, initially seeking two individuals they believed were involved in the incident. Investigators at the time characterized the shooting as an isolated event, assuring the public that there was no ongoing danger. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could lead to an understanding of the events that transpired on that tragic afternoon.
The investigation progressed, and authorities were able to identify two suspects in connection with Mr. Gardner's death. Subsequently, two men were arrested and faced the grave charge of murder. While the motive behind the shooting has not been publicly disclosed, the arrests marked a significant development in the case, promising to shed more light on the circumstances that led to the untimely death of Frankie Orlando Gardner and to bring a measure of justice to his grieving family and friends.
