On the night of Saturday, June 18, 2005, Marty Jackson, a 34-year-old man, was driving his blue 1992 Nissan Sentra through Columbia, South Carolina. It was a typical evening that ended in an abrupt and devastating act of violence that has remained a mystery for years. His life was cut short by a single, fatal gunshot, leaving behind unanswered questions and a case that continues to haunt the city.
Just before 11:00 p.m., Marty had stopped at the McDonald's on Broad River Road. After leaving, he drove up Sunset Drive, heading toward Main Street. As he was preparing to make a left turn onto Abingdon Road in the 600 block of Sunset Drive, a bullet pierced the passenger-side window of his car. The shot struck him in the right shoulder, and the injury proved to be fatal.
At approximately 10:50 p.m., Marty Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, his journey ending suddenly and violently at an ordinary intersection.
The investigation into Marty's death was launched immediately by the City of Columbia Police Department. Detectives worked to piece together the final moments of his life and determine a motive for the seemingly random shooting. The path of the bullet, coming from the passenger side, suggested the shot may have been fired from another vehicle or by someone standing nearby, but no witnesses came forward with a clear description of a suspect or a getaway car. The case presented few initial leads, and with no apparent motive like robbery, the reason for the shooting was unclear.
Over the years, the investigation has continued, transitioning from an active case to a cold case. The Columbia Police Department has kept Marty's file open, hoping for a break that might lead to an arrest. In January 2009, WIS-TV reported that investigators were still actively seeking tips from the public regarding the homicide. Police have periodically reminded the community of the unsolved crime, hoping to jog someone's memory or appeal to a person's conscience. Despite the passage of time, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made.
The lack of resolution has left a void for those who knew and loved Marty. The randomness of the crime makes it particularly difficult to comprehend. He was simply driving his car, moments away from turning onto another street, when his life was taken. The case is a stark reminder of how quickly a life can be extinguished and how long the quest for justice can last.
As of today, Marty Jackson's murder remains an active, unsolved cold case listed on the City of Columbia Police Department's roster. Investigators believe that someone in the community holds the key to solving the crime. Even a small, seemingly insignificant detail could be the missing piece that allows detectives to finally bring closure to the case. The police continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward.
The Columbia Police Department and Crimestoppers are asking for the public's help. Anyone with information about the shooting death of Marty Jackson is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at 803-545-3500. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
