On the night of July 10, 2023, 27-year-old Stephen Wilson was walking along Lester Drive in Columbia, South Carolina, when he encountered 20-year-old Jaylon Veerapen. Deputies were called to the 3800 block of Lester Drive at about 11 p.m. for a reported shooting and found Wilson with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies rendered aid but Wilson died at the scene.

Investigators say the two men were acquainted and had a brief conversation before the situation escalated. The investigation continued for more than two weeks and on July 26, 2023, Veerapen was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and the sheriff’s department said the probe remained ongoing.

What information do readers in Columbia have about Lester Drive that might help explain how a short encounter turned deadly?