Gang member from Columbia sentenced to 45 years in prison for 2017 murder

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– According to the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office, a validated gang member from Columbia was sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing a manager at a club in Lexington County in 2017. Authorities say 31-year-old Christopher J. Brisbon was convicted of murder, second degree burglary and possession of a weapon during a violent crime on Monday.

“We are grateful for the efforts of Sheriff Jay Koon and the entire Sheriff’s Department in their work on this case. The defendant was connected to gang activity in Richland County and crossed into
Lexington County to commit this crime. We will pursue all measures to eliminate gang related violence in our community,” said Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard.

According to investigators, Brisbon was one of two masked men who entered City Nightz Bar and Grill while armed in the early morning hours of December 17, 2017. Authorities say 41-year-old Rodney Leak, a manager at the club, was found dead in a back office area. Investigators say one of the masked men pointed a gun at Leak when he was behind a counter, and Leak suffered multiple gunshot wounds before being pronounced dead. Authorities say both assailants fled the scene after the shooting.

Investigators say a Smith & Wesson magazine clip left at the scene had a fingerprint that matched Christopher Brisbon, and his cell phone location was tracked to the area of the crime at the time of the shooting. Authorities say they later tested DNA on the magazine clip that also matched Brisbon.

The other assailant remains at large. Investigators believe the two intended to rob the victim of items at the club.

Brisbon was taken to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.