Few details in north Columbia killing
The Columbia Police Department confirmed a person was shot and killed Thursday morning in the 3700 block of Weymeyer Drive, but authorities have released few other details.
Police responded to the north Columbia residence at about 12:45 a.m. after they received several reports of shots heard. Police found Deonte Gainwell, 20, of Columbia, with gunshot wounds, according to a CPD news release. Medical personnel determined Gainwell had died.
According to court documents, Gainwell was 20 years old and lived in the 5700 block of east Limoges Drive.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department investigated a homicide at the same address on Limoges Drive in November in which a 20-year-old man shot and killed a home invader in late November. Detectives in that case said Ahmonta Harris died from mulitple gunshot wounds.
Posts on Gainwell’s Facebook page by a man identifying himself as Harris’ father said Gainwell killed his son. Gainwell said in a post on his page in early December that he he shot and killed an intruder in his home.
ABC 17 News asked the Columbia Police Department and Boone County Sheriff’s Department if Gainwell is connected to Harris’ homicide. Both departments declined to comment. CPD spokesman Jeff Pitts referred questions about whether Gainwell was connected to Harris’ death to the sheriff’s department.
Neighbors living nearby told ABC 17 News they heard multiple gunshots early this morning.
Calvin Miles said he is surprised by the shooting. “This is a quiet street and everyone pretty much knows everyone,” he said. “I can’t speak for every other street but on Weymeyer it doesn’t happen.” Anyone with information is asked to call CPD at 573-874-7652 or Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous. Sign up for email news alerts by clicking here
