Wendell F. Sholar Fatally Shot During Parking Lot Altercation Outside Columbia’s S Bar; Bernard Jackson, Jr. Arrested and Charged with Manslaughter and Weapons Offense in Violent Incident Witnessed by Police

In the early morning hours of Friday, a deadly altercation erupted outside a Columbia, South Carolina bar that tragically claimed the life of 33-year-old Wendell F. Sholar. Authorities have arrested and charged Bernard Jackson, Jr., a 53-year-old Columbia man, in connection with the fatal shooting, marking another grim episode of late-night violence in the area.

Deadly Incident at the S Bar: A Timeline of Events

The incident took place between midnight and 1:00 a.m. on Friday, in the parking lot of the S Bar, a popular nightlife venue located in the 7500 block of Garners Ferry Road in southeast Columbia. The Columbia Police Department (CPD) reports that officers were already present in the vicinity at the time the establishment was closing for the night. Their presence, according to CPD, was part of routine monitoring to ensure public safety during bar closings, a period often associated with heightened tensions.

According to initial police accounts, a verbal altercation broke out among multiple patrons in the parking lot just as the bar was shutting its doors. The verbal dispute rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation, drawing the immediate attention and response of the on-site police officers. As law enforcement officers attempted to deescalate the situation and separate the individuals involved, Bernard Jackson, Jr. allegedly retrieved a firearm and discharged it during the chaos.

Victim Identified as Wendell F. Sholar

The gunfire struck Wendell F. Sholar, a 33-year-old man who, according to police, was involved in the dispute. Emergency medical services were quickly summoned, and Sholar was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility. Despite efforts to save his life, Sholar was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

The Columbia Police Department has not released additional details regarding the nature of the relationship between Sholar and Jackson, or whether they were acquainted prior to the incident. It is also not immediately clear what prompted the dispute that led to the fatal shooting. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death, though police have confirmed that the gunshot wound was the direct cause.

Suspect Bernard Jackson, Jr. Taken Into Custody at the Scene

Immediately following the shooting, police officers on the scene detained Bernard Jackson, Jr. without further incident. He was transported to police headquarters for questioning and subsequently formally charged Friday afternoon. The charges levied against him include:

• Manslaughter: A felony offense under South Carolina law, typically applied when a person unlawfully kills another without malice, but under circumstances indicating a reckless disregard for human life.
• Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime: An enhancement charge that further increases the severity of the legal consequences if the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon.

Jackson is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County while he awaits a bond hearing. It is unknown at this time whether Jackson has secured legal representation or entered a plea.

Police Investigation Ongoing

While charges have been filed and a suspect is in custody, Columbia Police have emphasized that their investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators are working to gather surveillance footage from the S Bar and surrounding businesses, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the exact sequence of events that led to Sholar’s death.

CPD has issued a public appeal asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has additional information—including video footage or social media posts related to the altercation—to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers or directly to CPD’s violent crimes unit.

Community Reactions and Growing Concerns Over Bar-Related Violence

The shooting has reignited community concerns about violence associated with nightlife venues in Columbia, particularly in the Garners Ferry Road corridor. This is not the first incident of violence linked to establishments in the area, prompting some residents to call for increased regulation, stricter security protocols, and more visible police presence.

Local community leaders, including members of Columbia City Council and neighborhood associations, have expressed sorrow at Sholar’s death and called for a broader conversation around de-escalation, conflict resolution, and responsible firearm ownership. “This is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” said one city official. “We’ve lost a young man to senseless violence, and another is now facing the full weight of the justice system. No one wins in these situations.”

Victim’s Identity and Legacy

Although CPD has not released further personal information about Wendell F. Sholar, friends and acquaintances have begun sharing tributes on social media. Sholar is being remembered as a kind and generous individual who was well-liked in his community. Those who knew him have described him as “quiet,” “respectful,” and someone who “stayed out of trouble.”

A small memorial with candles and flowers has begun forming outside the S Bar parking lot, where the fatal confrontation occurred. Friends have organized a candlelight vigil to honor Sholar’s life and to call for peace in the community.

Legal Outlook for Bernard Jackson, Jr.

The legal consequences for Bernard Jackson, Jr. could be severe if he is convicted. Manslaughter in South Carolina is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances and aggravating factors. The added weapons charge could further increase his sentence.

Jackson’s prior criminal history, if any, has not been disclosed by CPD at this time. Prosecutors will likely review all relevant background information before determining how to proceed with the case. It is also unknown whether Jackson may claim self-defense or another legal justification, though police have not indicated any evidence supporting such a claim as of now.

Bar and Business Responsibility

The ownership and management of the S Bar have not released a formal statement regarding the incident. It is not known whether the establishment had private security on duty at the time, or whether the individuals involved had been drinking inside the bar before the altercation began.

South Carolina’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) board and local code enforcement may review the incident to determine whether the bar met its regulatory obligations and whether additional safety measures should be mandated.

Looking Ahead

As the case against Bernard Jackson, Jr. moves through the legal system, the Columbia community continues to grapple with the sudden loss of Wendell F. Sholar. His death is a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in public spaces and the critical importance of early intervention, conflict resolution, and community-focused policing.

CPD has reiterated its commitment to transparency in the investigation and to working with community partners to reduce future incidents of violent crime. “Our officers were there. They were trying to prevent a situation from turning deadly,” said a CPD spokesperson. “Despite their presence, someone chose to pull a trigger. That is heartbreaking. And it’s unacceptable.”

The department has promised to release more details as the investigation unfolds and to support both the victim’s family and the broader community in the wake of this tragedy.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CRIME-SC.