Police investigate fatal shooting
The shooting allegedly began over a romantic rivalry.
Published Sept. 10, 2010
Columbia Police officers continue to investigate the fatal shooting at a Columbia apartment on Anita Court.
Crestful J. Williams, 21, was shot and killed Monday morning, according to a Columbia Police Department news release. Police arrested Eric D. Jamison, 22, for second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.
The resident of the apartment, Jamison's girlfriend, was shot once in the leg, according to the news release. After being interviewed by investigators, she said Jamison arrived at her apartment early Monday morning and became upset when Williams arrived later to collect personal property. Jamison shot Williams multiple times and the female resident once.
Police officers responded to a shots fired call just after 11 a.m. Jamison cooperated with officers, and told them he acted defensively after Williams attempted to assault him and his girlfriend. Several witnesses who were present said this was not true, according to the release.
"The victim did not brandish a weapon and did not act aggressively," CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said. "He was leaning down to retrieve his property when he was shot. Jamison's actions were not defensive, and his original statement was proven false. All indications are that only Jamison fired."
A neighbor was assaulted by one of the individuals in the apartment when he attempted to render aid after hearing the sound of gunshots, Haden said. He sustained no serious injuries and is a potential witness.
Police officers will continue to investigate the shooting as a homicide.
"We investigated this as a homicide from the beginning, regardless of Jamison's initial statement that he acted defensively," Haden said. "This is standard protocol. Even in an apparent suicide, the police will investigate it as a potential homicide. It's better to err on the side of safety. In this case we did determine that he did not act defensively."
Because investigators have characterized the shooting as domestic violence, the name of the resident will remain unknown to the public to protect her safety, Haden said.
Haden encouraged MU students to prevent domestic violence by not hesitating to seek assistance, especially at MU's Women's Center.
"Although this incident is not directly related to the university, it is still important," Haden said. "Domestic violence is far underreported and can happen to women of any age. We ask students to seek guidance and be armed with information and resources."