11 rounds fired in deadly downtown Columbia shooting
Marie Moyer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Police say in court documents that the 23-year-old Florida man who opened fire early Saturday in downtown Columbia, killing a woman, shot 11 times into a crowd as he walked from the scene.
Court documents show that 23-year-old Misael Covarrubias has been charged with three counts of assault, three counts of armed criminal action and a count of unlawful use of a weapon. Covarrubias is suspected in the deadly shooting of Stephens College student Aiyanna Williams that injured two others.
According to court documents, Columbia police arrived at the 800 block of East Broadway at around 1:42 a.m. Saturday and found three victims with gunshot wounds. One person was in critical condition. Officers also found 11 spent 9mm bullet casings between Eighth Street and Ninth Street.
Covarrubias was spotted by officers running away and putting a pistol in his waistband, the probable cause statement says. When questioned, Covarrubias reportedly told officers that people ganged up on him, causing him to fire warning shots. Covarrubias initially said the warning shots were fired at the ground, but later admitted to firing with his arm straight out, the statement says.
When asked who he was shooting at, Covarrubias allegedly said he didn’t know; he also admitted to having three drinks before the shooting.
A fourth victim who was not injured later spoke to police and alleged that prior to the shooting, Covarrubias grabbed a woman the victim was with by the waist. The victim later told Covarrubias to get off of her with Covarrubias allegedly pushing him, walking away and then shooting in his direction.
The shooting prompted University of Missouri System President Mun Choi to call for action to reduce crime in Columbia and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe to call for a special task force.
Covarrubias also stated he was born in Florida and has been living in Columbia for around five months.
Covarrubias’ next hearing is set for Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.