Kevin Brown dies in fatal Columbia shooting
Fatal Columbia shooting death of Kevin Brown – Obituary
Authorities in South Carolina have charged a Columbia man with murder and other offenses following the fatal shooting of Kevin Brown, 58, as confirmed by the Richland County Coroner.
Benjamin T. Patterson Jr., 24, faces charges including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and illegal firearm possession by a convicted violent felon, according to jail records. Police noted that Patterson was prohibited from having a firearm due to a prior domestic violence conviction.
The shooting took place early Monday morning in the 400 block of Floyd Drive, near Exit 72 on Interstate 20 and Farrow Road, according to the Columbia Police Department. Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 3:30 a.m. ShotSpotter is an acoustic system that detects gunfire and notifies authorities within seconds.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a man inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound to his upper body. The victim, identified as Kevin Brown, was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Investigators carried out multiple search warrants related to the case and later located Patterson on Garners Ferry Road. He was arrested within hours of the shooting.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, though police believe Patterson approached Brown just before shots were fired. It is not yet known if the two men had prior contact before the incident.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the investigation. Patterson was booked into Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he remains without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 30.
At the time of his arrest, Patterson was already out on bond for separate charges that remain pending in court.
