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James W Smith III

Case from Columbia, SC dated Feb 23, 2026

Victim Details

James W Smith III

Male

Black / African American

Columbia

SC

2026-02-23

32

James

W Smith III

07/01/2026

Case Description

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In the early morning hours of February 23, 2026, a grim discovery was made along Interstate 20 East in Columbia, South Carolina. First responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash near the Clemson Road exit, where they found a truck fully engulfed in flames. Inside the vehicle was the body of 32-year-old James W. Smith III of Bishopville. The Richland County Coroner's Office later ruled his death a homicide, and authorities indicated that evidence suggested he had been shot.
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Links to Additional Sources (12)

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  • https://www.wistv.com: 3 arrested after ‘targeted’ killing on I-20, deputies say
  • WCIV: 'I think I’m about to die': Victim’s final call before I-20 shooting death
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    Forum Posts (1)

    I'm struck by the quick progress that the Richland County Sheriff's Department has made in this case... ...Read More
    04/14/2026
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