CPD still looking for second murder suspect in downtown homicide

Columbia police are asking the public to help them find a murder suspect.

Police Chief Geoff Jones said Wednesday they are still looking for Marlin Johnson, who is accused of second degree murder in the shooting death of Joseph Hecht.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is important, and we will not stand by and allow senseless acts of gun violence to consume our communities without action,” said Jones.

CPD Lt. Matt Stephens said they are unsure whether Johnson has left the Columbia area or not.

“We’re widespread and trying to look at every possibility we have to determine whether we need to lessen that scope and focus just here in town or whether it’s outside of here,” said Stephens.

Hecht, 38, was shot early Saturday near Eighth and Locust streets downtown. He died at the hospital Sunday. Another suspect, Kesan McNeal, was arrested Sunday on a second degree murder charge.

(This story was last updated at 6:28 a.m. Thursday.)