Antonio Toney Obituary, Death – Early Tuesday morning, a deputy-involved shooting in Columbia left one man dead, and authorities have now released his identity. According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the deceased was identified as 42-year-old Antonio Toney. Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed the identification and emphasized her office’s commitment to working closely with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to ensure the circumstances of the incident are fully examined.
The shooting occurred along the 300 block of Ovanta Road after deputies were dispatched in response to a report of shots fired just before 10 a.m. Authorities said that when deputies arrived, they attempted to make contact with Toney, who was inside a residence at the location. However, they noted that he was uncooperative and refused to engage in a peaceful resolution.
According to officials, deputies tried to de-escalate the situation while maintaining distance for their safety. They positioned themselves out of direct exposure but continued attempts at communication, urging Toney to cooperate. Despite their efforts, the situation escalated further when Toney allegedly brandished a firearm and pointed it at deputies through a window.
At that point, one of the responding deputies, Corporal Shawn Sullivan, fired a single shot that struck Toney. Sheriff Leon Lott later confirmed that Sullivan was accompanied by Deputies Mason Boney and Christopher Miller during the encounter. Following the gunfire, deputies immediately provided medical assistance to Toney on-site. Emergency medical services arrived shortly afterward and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities emphasized that none of the deputies sustained any injuries during the incident. Sheriff Lott has stated that the shooting remains under investigation, with all findings to be reviewed to determine whether the use of force was justified. As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the deputies involved are also being provided with counseling and support in the aftermath.
Coroner Rutherford stressed that her office’s role is to conduct a thorough investigation alongside law enforcement, ensuring that every detail surrounding the shooting is documented. She noted that her team will continue working with the Sheriff’s Department until all aspects of the case have been properly evaluated.
The case has drawn attention in the community, particularly given the serious circumstances surrounding the confrontation. Sheriff Lott reiterated that deputies attempted multiple times to defuse the situation peacefully but were forced to respond when the threat escalated into a direct danger to their safety.
At this stage, the investigation remains active, and additional findings are expected to be shared once the review is complete. Meanwhile, officials have encouraged residents with questions or concerns to remain patient as the inquiry proceeds.
The identification of Antonio Toney marks an important step in the process, but both the Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department continue to stress that the incident is far from closed, with ongoing evaluations necessary before any final conclusions can be made.
