Kornell Willis, a 29-year-old male, was fatally shot on July 14, 2020, in Columbia, South Carolina. The incident occurred at the Gable Oaks Apartments on Colleton Street. An officer from the Columbia Police Department was flagged down by a resident who reported an injured man inside one of the apartments. Upon arrival, the officer saw Willis lying on the floor inside an apartment.
A 29-year-old woman, Leona Toatley, was present at the scene and initially refused to allow officers to
enter the apartment. After several attempts, an officer managed to open the door. Officers were then able to remove Willis from the apartment and provide aid until emergency medical services arrived. According to the Richland County Coroner, Willis died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Police described the shooting as a domestic-related incident, stating that Willis and Toatley were acquaintances. Following the incident, Toatley was arrested and taken to the Columbia Police Department headquarters for questioning. She was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Toatley was then booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
