Richland County standoff with murder suspect ends in suicide

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a suspect in a fatal home invasion in Newberry County committed suicide after a standoff with law enforcement in Richland County.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says 21-year-old Keon Kelly shot himself in the head Thursday in the upstairs of his Columbia home. Watts says no deputy fired their gun.

Multiple media outlets report the standoff began when deputies tried to arrest Kelly.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says Kelly held his brother hostage and refused to come outside. After releasing his brother, Kelly cut off negotiations.

Deputies entered after tear gas was shot in the home.

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says Kelly was wanted in the July 29 death of a 32-year-old man in Little Mountain. Two other suspects have been arrested and charged with murder.