Inquest planned in death of man shot by SC police

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Richland County Coroner Gary Watts is planning to hold an inquest in the death of a 21-year-old man shot by Columbia police.

Watts said Wednesday he decided to hold the inquest after reviewing the State Law Enforcement Division’s investigation into the shooting.

Investigators were called to a home May 25 by the man’s mother, who said he had a gun. Police say they shot Ajani Mitchell after he refused to put down the weapon and threatened officers.

Watts says Mitchell was shot multiple times and died at the scene. He says he wants to hold the inquest to settle any questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

State police are still investigating, as they do in all shootings that involve officers.