Columbia Police have identified the man who was shot to death in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon in north Columbia as 34-year-old Royelle Hunt.
Mr. Hunt was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene on Doris drive, which is a residential area east of Cosmo park and is near North Creasy Springs. CPD says a second adult male was also shot in the 1400 block of Doris drive: that victim is in stable condition at a local hospital, according to Columbia Police. CPD describes its investigation as ongoing: anyone with information on who shot Royelle Hunt and the second victim is urged to call Columbia Crimestoppers at (573) 875-TIPS. Your identity will be protected.
Meantime, Columbia has seen two homicides and at least five other shots fired calls this week. Many of you are concerned, based on your comments on 939 the Eagle’s Facebook page. Host Fred Parry will be tackling the violence and many other issues tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 7-8 on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable” program. His guest will be longtime Columbia banker and lawyer and business leader Bob Roper. Mr. Roper has a solution on how to address the violence.
“And what it takes is you properly fund your police force. You ensure that they follow the law, that there’s no rogue officers, thank you very much. You do what’s legal, such as stop, question and frisk. You pursue the broken windows theory,” Mr. Roper says.
The broken window theory is essentially that visible signs of disorder in an environment encourage more disorder and also serious crime. The Columbia Police Department is currently 37 officers short. Fred and Bob will also be discussing a major drug bust this week on Doris drive and numerous other issues.
