A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of a nursing student after he allegedly fired at a crowd during an altercation the victim was not involved in.
In a statement, the Columbia Missouri Police Department said that the fatal incident occurred at the 900 block of East Broadway in the wee hours of September 27. The deceased victim was identified as Stephens College nursing student and former volleyball player, Aiyanna Williams, 21.
The suspect, identified as Misael Covarrubias, 23, is said to have opened fire after he got into an altercation with a group of people. Authorities said that officers, who responded to the scene, found Williams and another female victim with gunshot wounds.
RELATED STORIES
Williams and the other victim were ultimately taken to the hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries. Covarrubias was later arrested.
“Investigators found that Covarrubias was in a verbal altercation in the area of Ninth Street and Broadway and discharged a firearm multiple times toward the people with whom he was in an altercation,” the statement said.
“Investigators determined that the three gunshot victims were in the 1000 block of East Broadway and were not involved in the altercation.”
Covarrubias has since been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and with the unlawful use of weapons.
Williams was declared brain dead after she was taken to the hospital, and she was placed on life support to pave the way for her organs to be donated, KRCG reported.
“Even in death, Aiyanna’s generosity and care for others endures. Her decision to be an organ donor reflects her commitment to the welfare of others and her calling to be a nurse,” Stephens College officials said about Williams.
Stephens College also paid tribute to Williams in a statement, saying that she “embodied compassion, joy, and determination; qualities that defined her journey as a nursing student and endeared her to everyone who knew her.”
“Her choice to be an organ donor is a powerful reflection of her selflessness and unwavering commitment to helping others, even beyond her time with us,” the statement added. “Our hearts are with Aiyanna’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of care, generosity, and light will continue to inspire us.”
