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Columbia Police are asking for video and photos from the June 1 graduation party where a 16-year-old was fatally shot. Evidence can be submitted athttps://columbiapdsc.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/240012201gradparty
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Caitlin Ashworth is a crime reporter for The Post and Courier in Columbia. She spent several years in Thailand before moving to South Carolina.
Caitlin Ashworth
COLUMBIA— Police are asking for videos and photos from a weekend graduation party where a 16-year-old high school football player was fatally shot.
As dozens of bullets were fired, Julian Keel was struck as he was trying to leave the party, according to Columbia Police. Keel was a rising senior at W.J. Keenan High School and played football for the school's team. Police said he was an innocent bystander.
At around 12:30 a.m. on June 2, shots broke out at the Roll-Out Wingz, Egg Rollz, and Thangz Bar and Restaurant on Colonial Life Bouvard. The party was being hosted by a producer and DJ known as 1K.
The death comes in the wake of a spate of deadly shootings in Richland County, many involving teenagers, both as victims and alleged perpetrators.
More than 50 rounds fromat least four different calibers were fired, according to police.
Police are still searching for the shooters and are asking those at the party to send in video and photos.
Richland One Board of School Commissioners Chairman Aaron Bishop called the fatal shooting a "devastating loss."
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"This tragic event affects us all, and it is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gun violence in our society," Bishop said.
The school district has counselors and support staff available for anyone who needs assistance coping with the loss, the chairman said.
"As we mourn, let us also come together to advocate for change and work towards a safer future for our community and children," he added.
At a June 4 City Council meeting, at-large Councilman Tyler Bailey asked that the city's Public Safety Committee and CPD look into expanding the city's minor's curfew.
There's currently a minor's curfew in the Vista. Bailey said he wants to look at expanding it to other areas, mainly during summer.
"Every summer there appears to be an uptick of shootings," Bailey said. "Between permitless carry, guns being stolen, there's an influx of firearms in the street."
"16-year-old boy dead. When does it stop?" Councilman Edward McDowell added. "When will we stop? We keep talking, but we ain't doing nothing."
Josh Archote contributed to this report.
Caitlin Ashworth
Caitlin Ashworth is a crime reporter for The Post and Courier in Columbia. She spent several years in Thailand before moving to South Carolina.
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