RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Two people are dead after an apparent murder suicide in northeast Columbia Saturday night.
Richland County deputies say they responded to the 400 block of Summit Townes Way for a welfare check around 8 p.m. Saturday night. When they arrived, they found a woman and a man dead inside the residence. Both had gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Nivia N. Johnson, 38, of Summit Townes Way in Columbia, died at the scene after being shot, according to Richland County coroner Gary Watts. An autopsy indicated the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body, Watts said.
David C. Bailey, 39, of Greenville, SC, also died at the scene, according to Coroner Watts. An autopsy indicated the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Watts said.
The coroner has ruled the deaths a murder-suicide, and deputies say they are investigating the deaths with that in mind.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:
- Call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).
- Use the P3 Tips mobile app.
- LOG ON to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a Tip” tab.
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