Columbia Man Sentenced in Nightclub Shooting
July 25, 2024
Today, Antwon Brown was sentenced to 28 years for the shooting death of Rayjon Smith at nightclub, Vegas Knights located at 3722 River Drive. The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, represented by First Assistant Solicitor Dale Scott, recounted that on February 13, 2022, Mr. Smith and Defendant Brown were both attendees of an event at the nightclub. Slightly before 3:00 A.M. on February 13, 2022, Mr. Smith exited Vegas Knights and was met outside by Defendant Brown. Surveillance cameras captured the two men speaking with one another and then crossed over River Drive to where Mr. Smith’s car was parked. Approximately, two minutes later, the muzzle flash of a gun is seen on video and a figure is seen fleeing from that location. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene but was met by largely uncooperative bystanders. Eventually, one witness came to law enforcement with a nickname they believed the shooter to use. This information led to the identification of Antwon Brown as the shooter; he was arrested on February 15, 2022 hiding out at a relative’s home. The Solicitor’s Office praised the efforts of Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Investigator Scott Morris in securing the arrest and conviction of Antwon Brown. The Honorable Eugene C. Griffith, Jr. presided over the plea.