News Release: Reckless Homicide Suspect Sentenced
- Deputy Jamie Burton
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
04/01/26
Sheriff Leon Lott announces the sentencing for Jaquice Williams (21) following his arrest for a crash that killed 2 women.
In the early morning hours of July 17, 2023, a Richland County deputy spotted a vehicle that was reported stolen out of the City of Columbia. When the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on Mallet Hill Road, the driver fled. The officer lost sight of the vehicle and while searching the area, deputies were notified by dispatch that a vehicle had crashed at 811 Mallet Hill Road and was on fire.
Two passengers in the vehicle were killed in the crash, Makiya Alford, 21, of West Columbia, and Keyona Bryant, 19, of Columbia.
Yesterday, March 31st, 2026, Jaquice Williams plead Guilty to two (2) charges of Failure to Stop for Blue Lights Resulting in Death, a charge that carries 0-25 years. Williams was given a concurrent sentence of 16 years in prison by Judge Chris Taylor.
“This sentence reflects a measure of justice for the two lives that were tragically taken,” said Sheriff Leon Lott. “While no outcome can ever replace what was lost, we are grateful that Williams accepted responsibility for his actions and was held accountable.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor, Paul Walton, of the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Original Post:
NEWS RELEASE: Reckless Homicide Arrested
8/4/23
Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of 18-year-old Jaquice Williams following a crash that killed two women.
In the early morning hours of July 17, a Richland County deputy spotted a vehicle that was reported stolen out of the City of Columbia. When he attempted to make a traffic stop on Mallet Hill Road, the driver fled. The deputy lost sight of the vehicle as he approached Polo Road. As deputies circulated the area to find the vehicle, they were notified by dispatch that a vehicle had crashed at 811 Mallet Hill Road and was on fire.
The first deputies on scene used an extinguisher to put out the fire and attempted to render aid to the individuals involved.
Two passengers in the vehicle were killed in the crash. Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford previously identified the two passengers as Makiya Alford, 21, of West Columbia, and Keyona Bryant, 19, of Columbia. Williams, the driver, was injured in the crash and taken to the hospital.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol assisted in the collision investigation.
Williams was arrested by the Columbia Police Department one month prior on June 7 for discharging a firearm and unlawful carry of a weapon. He was released on bond the next day.
“This man’s lawlessness cost two young people their lives,” Sheriff Lott said. “He should not have been on the streets in the first place. Another criminal, out on bond, terrorizing our community.”
Williams was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on August 4 for two counts of reckless homicide, two counts of failure to stop for blue lights resulting in death, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
