Officials in Columbia, S.C., identified 30-year-old Brian Barrett as the victim killed in a shooting on the 800 block of Polo Road late Saturday, December 20, 2025. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department arrested 44-year-old Charles McCants, charging him with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.​
Incident Details
Barrett and McCants argued verbally before it turned physical, leading McCants to shoot Barrett multiple times in the upper chest and flee. Deputies found Barrett unresponsive, provided aid, and transported him to a hospital where he died. McCants was located in Hartsville, detained by local police, and booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.​
Legal Status
McCants refused to appear for a bond hearing on Monday, December 22, and remains in custody awaiting further proceedings. No updates on additional hearings or court dates appear in recent reports as of December 23, 2025. The case stems from Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott’s announcement of the arrest.
