A dispute over a parking spot in Columbia turned deadly on July 27, 2023, when 58-year-old Alvin AL Simmons was shot in the 5500 block of North Main Street. The confrontation in the parking lot of an auto shop became violent before 5 p.m.; both Simmons and another man suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds and were taken to a local hospital. The Richland County Coroner’s Office later ruled Simmons’ death a homicide.

Columbia police investigators say surveillance footage and witness interviews identified 68-year-old Franklin James as the other man involved. Authorities charged James with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, possession of a weapon with an obliterated serial number, and auto tampering after alleging the two exchanged gunfire.

A Celebration of Life service for Simmons was held August 4, 2023, at JP Holley Funeral Home Southeast Chapel, with interment at Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Does anyone have information about the incident or was in the area that afternoon?