RICHLAND COUNTY, SC — Community Mourns the Loss of Shelia Walker, 56, After Fatal Stabbing on Faraway Drive
Richland County, SC — A devastating act of violence has left a family heartbroken and a community in mourning following the tragic death of 56-year-old Shelia Walker. According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Nadia Rutherford, Walker succumbed to stab wounds on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, after being attacked during a violent altercation on Faraway Drive in Columbia.
Shelia’s death marks another painful chapter in a disturbing trend of domestic and interpersonal violence in the Midlands region, where communities are increasingly calling for change, accountability, and justice.
The Incident
Authorities say that the incident occurred sometime Monday night or early Tuesday morning at a residence located on the 200 block of Faraway Drive, a quiet residential area just northeast of downtown Columbia. Officers from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the scene after a 911 call reported a woman in critical condition.
When first responders arrived, they found Shelia Walker suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite rapid medical intervention, she was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has since launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. While an official suspect has not been publicly identified, officials confirm that one individual has been detained in connection with the case. Investigators have labeled the situation as a “domestic-related incident,” though they continue to collect witness statements and forensic evidence.
Sheriff Leon Lott released a brief statement expressing his condolences to the family and affirming his department’s commitment to seeking justice:
“This was a senseless act of violence that took a woman’s life and left a family shattered. We will not rest until we have all the answers and ensure that the responsible individual is held fully accountable.”
A Beloved Woman Remembered
Shelia Walker was more than a name in a headline. She was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend whose love and strength touched many lives. Those close to her describe her as a woman of compassion, resilience, and grace — someone who always put others before herself and who carried herself with quiet dignity.
“She was the kind of person who would give you her last dollar or the shirt off her back,” said a longtime friend. “She didn’t deserve to go out like this — not at the hands of violence, not like this.”
A resident of Richland County for decades, Shelia worked in the healthcare field for much of her life and was known for her nurturing spirit, especially toward the elderly and vulnerable. Her loss has been deeply felt across multiple communities — from her church family to her coworkers, neighbors, and extended relatives.
“She was our rock,” said one of Shelia’s children during an emotional statement. “Our world will never be the same without her.”
A Call for Justice and Awareness
Shelia’s death has sparked widespread grief, but also renewed calls for addressing the rising tide of domestic violence in South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), the state continues to rank among the highest in the nation for rates of women killed by men, often in intimate or domestic settings.
“This is not an isolated case,” said one advocate at a Wednesday evening vigil in Shelia’s honor. “Shelia Walker’s death is a tragic reminder that we still have so far to go when it comes to protecting women and vulnerable individuals from violence in their own homes.”
Local leaders and advocates are urging for more funding for shelters, crisis response teams, and community education programs to better prevent and respond to domestic violence incidents before they escalate to tragedy.
Honoring Her Life
In the wake of this tragedy, Shelia’s family is working with local churches to plan a memorial service that will honor her life, legacy, and the love she gave to all who knew her. A candlelight vigil is also being organized by community leaders and will take place this weekend near Faraway Drive, allowing neighbors and loved ones to gather in remembrance and solidarity.
A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the Walker family with funeral expenses and to help support her grandchildren, whom Shelia was helping raise at the time of her death. The page has already received hundreds of shares and donations from those touched by her story.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Shelia Walker’s life mattered. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and her tragic death will not be forgotten.