Brianna N. Hawkins dies in fatal Columbia apartment shooting

Brianna N. Hawkins dies in fatal Columbia apartment shooting

Fatal Columbia apartment shooting death of Brianna N. Hawkins – Obituary

Brianna N. Hawkins, 21, of Fulton, died after being shot Sunday night at an apartment complex on Clark Lane in Columbia, authorities reported. Two other people were also injured during the incident, one of whom was critically wounded and may not survive.

James Lamont Caldwell Jr., 23, of Fulton, has been charged in connection with the shooting. Court records show he faces second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and armed criminal action. Caldwell was taken into custody at the scene, and investigators say he claimed not to remember the events, citing Xanax use.

According to the probable cause statement, two of the victims identified Caldwell as the shooter. Video footage from a nearby apartment shows a person chasing another while firing a gun. Police also reported that one victim had been stabbed during the attack.

Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude said the investigation is being treated as a domestic violence-related crime. Police, along with multiple law enforcement agencies including the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MU Police Department, Ashland Police, and Hallsville Police, responded to the scene after 9 p.m. Sunday.

Initial reports suggested more people had been hurt, but authorities confirmed that only three were directly affected. Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer emphasized the vital role of fire and EMS teams in responding quickly to violent incidents to provide lifesaving care and coordinate with law enforcement and hospitals.