In the late afternoon light of a Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina, the life of 42-year-old Leonard Colvin was brought to a sudden and violent end. On June 6, 2023, the male resident of Columbia was standing in the 1400 block of Assembly Street, a busy downtown area, when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 4 p.m., a time when the city was bustling with activity.
The shooting unfolded in broad daylight, disrupting the daily routines of those nearby.
Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, Leonard Colvin died from his injuries right where he had been shot. The area was quickly cordoned off by the Columbia Police Department, with road closures on Assembly Street causing significant traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour. As investigators began their work, a man was detained for questioning near the crime scene, hinting at a swift development in the case.
Within a short period, the individual who was detained, 29-year-old Johnny William Darby III, was identified as the suspect. Officers from both the Columbia Police Department and the University of South Carolina Police had taken him into custody on Hampton Street shortly after the shooting. A handgun was found in his possession at the time of his detention. Following further investigation, which included witness interviews and a review of surveillance footage, Johnny William Darby III was formally charged with the murder of Leonard Colvin.
In addition to the murder charge, Darby faced a series of other serious accusations. These included possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a handgun, possession of a stolen handgun, and possession of a handgun by a person convicted of a violent crime. Following the announcement of these charges, he was booked and held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
