Lexington Woman Charged With Murder in Fatal West Columbia Shooting

LEXINGTON, S.C. – Authorities in Lexington County are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Tuesday night in West Columbia, leaving a 57-year-old man dead and a 21-year-old woman facing a murder charge.

According to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, deputies responded to the 2700 block of Leaphart Road after receiving a 911 call reporting a man with a gunshot wound. When deputies arrived, they discovered Joel Todd McCullough, 57, suffering from a fatal injury. McCullough was later pronounced deceased at the scene by Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.

The Investigation

Witness accounts indicate that the shooting followed an argument between McCullough and the suspect, McKenzie Leigh Brady, 21. A neighbor reportedly told deputies that he heard a “loud gunshot” shortly after the dispute escalated.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence, which belonged to McCullough, and recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the incident. Sheriff Koon stated that Brady and McCullough were known to one another for some time, suggesting that the altercation was not random.

“This was an isolated incident, and detectives are still working to determine exactly what led up to the shooting,” Koon said.

Arrest and Charges

Brady was arrested at the scene without incident and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center. On Wednesday, a magistrate judge denied her bond, and she remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

She has been formally charged with murder in connection to McCullough’s death. Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence gathered by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.

Community Impact

The tragic death has left the West Columbia community shaken, particularly along Leaphart Road where neighbors describe the area as typically quiet. While details about the relationship between Brady and McCullough have not yet been fully disclosed, investigators confirmed that the two had known each other for a significant period.

Ongoing Investigation

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward as they continue to review evidence, interview witnesses, and trace the events that led up to the deadly shooting.

“This investigation is active and ongoing,” Koon added. “Our priority is to bring clarity and justice in this case.”