A suspect was arrested at 5:30 a.m. Saturday in connection with the homicide of a 17-year-old Columbia man.
The victim, Bryan Rankin, 17, suffered a gunshot wound to the body after a disturbance at a party in the 3600 block of West Sugar Tree Lane, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.
“We don’t have the reason for the disturbance yet prior to the shooting,” CPD spokeswoman Latisha Stroer said.
He was taken to a local hospital by a private vehicle. Rankin died at approximately 4 a.m.
Officers responded to the scene and were unable to locate the suspect initially.
“Witnesses at the scene gave suspect information to law enforcement,” Stroer said.
The suspect was identified as a 15-year-old boy. His name has not yet been released. He was located at about 5:30 a.m. in the 5900 block of Gregory Drive and taken into custody.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
The investigation is ongoing.