Zakiyah Ali Obituary, Death – Authorities in Richland County have released the identity of a woman who died following a shooting at a hotel earlier this week. Officials confirmed that the victim was 30-year-old Zakiyah Ali of Columbia, who passed away Tuesday, two days after being critically injured.

According to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford, the shooting took place Sunday evening at the InTown Suites hotel located at 8310 Two Notch Road. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene around 6 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Ali suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency personnel quickly transported her to a nearby hospital for treatment, but despite efforts to save her life, she succumbed to her injuries two days later.

Investigators said the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated into violence. Authorities identified 33-year-old Jerry Williams as the suspect. Williams was initially arrested and charged with attempted murder, along with possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Following Ali’s death, prosecutors upgraded the charges against him to murder. Jail records show Williams was denied bond on the original charges, and as of now, no bond has been set for the murder charge.

The case remains under active investigation as detectives continue to gather information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Officials have not disclosed the nature of the argument between Ali and Williams or whether the two had any prior relationship. Authorities did confirm that they are working closely with the coroner’s office to ensure all evidence is properly reviewed before the case moves forward in court.

The death of Ali has left her family and community grieving a sudden and violent loss. At just 30 years old, her life was cut short in an incident that investigators say could have been avoided had the confrontation not turned deadly. Her death adds to the troubling number of gun-related homicides reported in Richland County this year, an issue that continues to concern local law enforcement and residents alike.

Sheriff’s officials emphasized their commitment to holding the suspect accountable and stressed the importance of curbing disputes that escalate into fatal violence. They reiterated that arguments, when coupled with firearms, often lead to irreversible consequences. Community leaders have also echoed calls for conflict resolution and increased public awareness as means of preventing tragedies of this nature.

As of now, Williams remains in custody at the Richland County jail. Prosecutors are expected to formally pursue the murder charge in court once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, Coroner Rutherford assured the public that her office, alongside the sheriff’s department, is working diligently to close the case and provide justice for Ali and her loved ones.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone with further information to contact the sheriff’s office.