COLUMBIA, S.C. — The family of the 40-year-old woman killed in a shooting last Thursday on Harbison Boulevard is speaking out, calling for answers in the search for the suspect.
The victim, 40-year-old Antionette Colón, was working early Thursday morning at the Bojangles on Harbison Boulevard when the shooting happened. The Columbia Police Department says they believe Colón was an innocent bystander.
Columbia police are still searching for 23-year-old Ja-Quivian Kennerly.
Police responded to the scene and found Colón critically injured. She was rushed to the hospital but died Friday from her injuries.
Colón’s family describes her as a devoted wife, mother of nine, and someone with a “heart of gold.” Her sisters, Traci Marie Colón and Denise Colón, said Antionette was always willing to help others, even during her own struggles.
“Even when they struggled, went without, didn’t have anything, her doors, her kitchen was always open to those in need. So when I say heart of gold, I mean it—she did not like seeing people go without. She did not like seeing people struggle,” Traci said.
Police are asking for any information in the shooting. The family says they want the suspect found before they can lay her to rest.
“This man didn’t just ruin his own life. He shattered our lives. There’s no coming back from this,” Traci said. "We need everybody coming forward, because what if it was your sister? What if it was your mom? What if it was your wife? You know, she’s a grandmother, she’s an aunt. So we need people to have compassion and empathy for what’s going on and not sit back and be silent."
Police urge anyone with information on Kennerly’s whereabouts to contact the Columbia Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC.