Randolph County authorities say a Columbia man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting that left another person seriously wounded.
Arrest and charges
Jefferey D. Layton, 41, was booked after deputies responded to a residence about 10 p.m. Saturday and discovered a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen, according to court records. The victim was taken to a hospital with what officials described as serious injuries.
Layton faces several counts listed in the probable cause statement, including first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated. He appeared at an arraignment Monday at the Randolph County Courthouse and is currently being held without bond. A bond review hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17.
"pleaded not guilty"
Evidence collected at the scene
Deputies reported finding a handgun inside the home, along with spent shell casings and a bullet. Investigators also documented blood and other signs indicating the shooting occurred on the kitchen table, the probable cause statement said.
- One individual with an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen was found and transported to a hospital.
- Law enforcement recovered a handgun, shell casings and a bullet at the residence.
- Blood and evidence of the shooting were observed on the kitchen table where the altercation took place.
Witness accounts and alcohol
Multiple witnesses were interviewed at the scene, and those interviews contributed to the narrative in the probable cause statement. According to one witness, Layton arrived at the home and engaged in an altercation with the injured person. That same witness told deputies that Layton had been drinking and estimated his consumption at roughly a 12-pack of beer prior to the shooting.
The witness also told investigators that the handgun belonged to them and that they typically allow Layton to carry it when he visits the residence. Additional interviews with people who know Layton but did not see the incident added context, with several saying he commonly becomes intoxicated, provokes conflicts and has threatened to use the firearm during disputes.
Legal status and next steps
Layton entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment, and court documents indicate he remains in custody without bond. Prosecutors charged him on Sunday following the Saturday night incident. The scheduled bond review hearing on Aug. 17 will determine whether bond will be set or modified.
| Charge | Nature |
|---|---|
| First-degree domestic assault | Felony involving intentional or knowingly causing serious physical injury to a household member (as listed in court records) |
| Armed criminal action | Use of a weapon during the commission of a felony |
| Unlawful possession of a firearm | Possession of a firearm in circumstances prohibited by law |
| Unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated | Allegation the weapon was used while the defendant was under the influence |
Community impact and context
Shooting incidents in rural counties often raise broader concerns about access to firearms, alcohol-related violence and safety within private homes. Local law enforcement typically investigates such events by collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and presenting probable cause findings to the county prosecutor, as occurred here.
At this stage, charges are allegations; criminal defendants are entitled to due process, and the courts will resolve the case through the legal system. The bond review next week will be an early procedural milestone in the case and could affect whether Layton remains in custody pending further proceedings.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the case and provide updates after the bond hearing and as court filings or official statements become available.
