In the early hours of March 22, 2017, a burst of violence outside a Columbia, South Carolina nightclub cut short the life of Pierre Tanaree Wilson. The 24-year-old male was ambushed as he and his brother left Club ReVeal on Two Notch Road at approximately 1:20 a.m. Wilson was struck by gunfire in his upper body and was rushed to Palmetto Health Richland, where he succumbed to his injuries. His brother was fortunate to escape the attack without injury.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department immediately launched an investigation into the deadly shooting.
Investigators described the scene as a 'gangland-style' ambush, with evidence suggesting that at least five, and possibly six, individuals were lying in wait for Wilson and his brother to exit the club. More than 50 shell casings from six different firearms were recovered at the scene. The investigation quickly pointed to a motive rooted in a dispute over drugs and money.
Within weeks of the shooting, law enforcement officials announced the arrests of five men in connection with Wilson's murder. The suspects were identified as Barry Reed, considered the 'ringleader' by authorities, Anthony Brevard, Benjamin Chestnut, Corey Sanders, and Calvin Rockmore. Reed was apprehended in Seattle, while Rockmore was arrested in Philadelphia. The men faced charges including murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The arrests were the result of an extensive investigation that uncovered what authorities described as a significant drug network. During the course of their investigation, law enforcement seized a substantial amount of marijuana, cash, and multiple firearms, including assault rifles and stolen handguns.
