Columbia is reeling after an 18‑year‑old Lexington man, Ke’Mari Samar’Trey Ford, was killed in a shooting Saturday afternoon at an apartment complex on Fernandina Road. It happened just before 1 p.m., and Ford was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Friends and family are struggling to make sense of the loss of someone many saw as full of promise.
Witnesses told investigators there was an argument between Ford and 23‑year‑old Latif Shi’Yon Elijah Ross shortly before the shots were fired. Deputies say Ross left the scene after the shooting and was later arrested Sunday and charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a person prohibited. The sheriff’s department says Ross remains in custody as the case moves toward the next court appearance.
People who knew Ford describe him as a young man with a bright future. He had just stepped into adulthood and was looking forward to his next steps in life. The sudden violence that cut his life short has left his community shaken and mourning deeply.
Neighbors in the apartment complex say they heard the argument and then the shots, and that the scene quickly filled with law enforcement and emergency responders. Despite attempts by deputies and EMS to save him, Ford did not survive. His family has been surrounded by loved ones offering support and sharing memories of a son, brother, or friend who meant so much to them.
Local leaders and residents have spoken of the need for community healing. In conversations with people in the area, many expressed sorrow and a sense of disbelief that someone so young could be lost to gun violence in a place where families live and children play.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, gathering witness statements and evidence to build a clearer picture of what led to the deadly confrontation. Officials have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.
In the wake of the tragedy, classmates, teammates, and friends have posted messages remembering Ford’s smiles, his plans, and the times they shared. For many, his death is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly hopes and dreams can be taken away.
