Florida man pleads guilty to deadly downtown Columbia shooting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Florida man pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to killing a Stephens College student and injuring two others in downtown Columbia.

Misael Covarrubias admitted to second-degree murder in the shooting that killed Aiyanna Williams on East Broadway in September 2025. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.

Judge Stephanie Morrell will sentence Covarrubias on December 22 at 9 a.m.

Columbia police said Covarrubias fired nearly a dozen times in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025. Covarrubias allegedly claimed he tried firing warning shots when a group ganged up on him. Officers said they found shell casings scattered on Broadway between Eighth and Ninth Streets. A witness allegedly told police that they told Covarrubias to stop grabbing a woman prior to the shooting, which led to Covarrubias pushing him, grabbing a gun he had and firing.

Friends and family described Williams, a Stephens College nursing student and Battle High School graduate, as a kind person dedicated to her faith.

The shooting sparked debate about downtown safety between University of Missouri and city of Columbia leaders.

This is a developing story. Stay with ABC 17 News for the latest information.