In the summer of 2020, a young man's life was cut short in a fatal shooting in Columbia, South Carolina. On the night of July 20, police responded to a 9-1-1 call at the Gable Oaks Apartments on Colleton Street. Inside a vehicle, they discovered 23-year-old Delvin K. Weems, unresponsive. Despite the immediate medical aid rendered by officers until EMS arrived, Weems succumbed to his injuries.
An autopsy later confirmed that he had died from a gunshot wound to his upper body.
The investigation into the death of the male victim pointed to a violent crime. Investigators with the Columbia Police Department determined that Weems was shot during an attempted armed robbery. The primary suspect in the shooting was identified as 23-year-old Willie Manley Bowman, Jr. Following the incident, authorities issued active arrest warrants for Bowman on charges of murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and unlawful carrying of a pistol.
As the investigation progressed, two other individuals were implicated for their alleged involvement after the fact. Keyona McLemore, 26, was arrested and charged with misprision of a felony and obstructing justice. She was accused of withholding information and providing false statements to investigators about the crime. Additionally, 23-year-old Neijah Thomas was charged with accessory after the fact to murder. It is alleged that after the shooting, Bowman went to Thomas, who then assisted him in altering his appearance, including his hair and clothing, in an attempt to help him evade capture.
