Watch: New Details on Byron Road Apt. Shooting

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) —  During a press conference Tuesday morning, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department provided new details about the Byron Road shooting that claimed the life of a Texas murder suspect.

According to Sheriff Leon Lott, Damon James is wanted in Houston, Texas for the murder of his ex-girlfriend on October 2,2014.

Sheriff Lott says the U.S. Marshal’s office received a tip that  James was on the 300 block of Byron Street. 

When members of the U.S. Marshal Task Force tried to serve James with a warrant for his arrest, he fled to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun, the Sheriff explains.

Gunfire was exchanged and James was hit multiple times in the upper body. He then retreated to his vehicle where officers heard one shot from inside the car.

James was taken to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, where he died from the injuries.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says based on his preliminary findings, it appears a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head claimed James’ life.

Officials are still unsure of why James was in the Midlands at the Byron Road Apartments.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.