On December 22, 2017, 30-year-old James K. Copeland III, a Black man reported to be from Cumming, Georgia, was fatally shot during an altercation at a McDonald’s on Parklane Road in northeastern Columbia, South Carolina. A dispute that began inside the restaurant moved into the parking lot, where a firearm was used and Copeland was struck in the upper torso.

He was taken to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital after the shooting was reported around 4:00 a.m. and was pronounced dead just before 5:00 a.m. that morning. Richland County Coroner Gary Watts listed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the chest. Investigators with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department later reported that one person was taken into custody in connection with the homicide, but initial reports did not release the suspect’s name or the exact charges.

Has anyone who was at the Parklane Road McDonald’s that night come forward with information?