CPD says community has helped with homicide investigation

Two days after a Columbia teen Marquez Reed was murdered, the accused shooter is still on the run.

Tyrone James Jr. has been officially charged in the death of 17 year old Marquez Reed.

Columbia Police Department says the community has played a huge role. In an e-mail response, Columbia Police Department says, “the assistance and cooperation from witnesses is paramount in these investigations… we are thankful for those who came forward with information because with that, our detectives were able to apprehend one suspect and identify the other in a very timely manner.”

However, that hasn’t always been the case. You might recall back in 2014, Rickie Dunn was shot and killed on Illinois avenue in Columbia on November 30th, 2014. Years later, no arrests have been made.

James Dunn Senior told ABC 17 news that he still wants answers.” If people loved him so much, why aren’t people coming forward?” Dunn Senior says he still remembers the day it happened. ” I remember my grand daughter calling me saying my dad’s been killed.”

Dunn says community cooperation is essential in helping solve these cases, like him and his family, the grieving process never feels complete until people held accountable are turned in.