Joel Todd McCullough, 57, was shot and killed at his home in the 2700 block of Leaphart Road in West Columbia on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. A witness reported hearing an argument followed by a single loud gunshot and called 911; deputies found McCullough with a fatal gunshot wound when they arrived.

Investigators say 21-year-old McKenzie Leigh Brady, of Lexington, was present at the residence and told them she and McCullough had known each other for some time. Law enforcement described the shooting as an isolated incident but has not released the nature of their relationship or what the final argument was about. A firearm believed to be connected to the shooting was recovered from the home under a search warrant.

Brady was arrested, charged with murder, and taken to the Lexington County Detention Center; a magistrate judge denied bond. Does anyone in the West Columbia or Lexington area have information about McCullough or his connection to Brady that could help clarify what happened?