Columbia Family Seeks Justice for 2020 Murder
The family of a homicide victim continues to push for answers as the case against the suspect remains inactive.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Violence
The family of Kornell Willis is seeking updates on a murder case from 2020 that has been classified as inactive. The primary suspect was previously found incompetent to stand trial and was released from custody.
Why it matters
The family is grappling with a lack of closure after the legal proceedings stalled. This case highlights the complexities faced by victims' families when a defendant is declared incompetent to stand trial.
The legal case against Leona Toatley is currently listed as inactive following a December 2023 finding of trial incompetency. Toatley was later accused of a separate shooting on Ripplemeyer Avenue in August 2024.
The players
Kornell Willis
He was a 2020 homicide victim who was shot at an apartment complex in Columbia.
Leona Toatley
She was the individual accused of killing Willis and was later found incompetent to stand trial.
Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office
This is the local agency responsible for prosecuting crimes and providing information to victims' advocates.
The details
Kornell Willis was fatally shot at the Gable Oaks Apartments in Columbia in July 2020 after spending five to six minutes inside the complex. Responding officers found children in a stairwell and received reports implicating Leona Toatley in the killing.
Timeline
July 14, 2020: Kornell Willis was shot and killed at the Gable Oaks Apartments.
December 2023: Leona Toatley was found incompetent to stand trial.
August 2024: Toatley was accused of shooting at a man on Ripplemeyer Avenue.
October 2026: Kornell Willis would have turned 36.
Legal Context
The case follows established competency to stand trial legal standards that restrict the prosecution of defendants unable to understand court proceedings. These statutes often leave victims' families in a state of limbo when a defendant is released from custody.
The involvement of the accused in a subsequent 2024 shooting may raise safety concerns for residents near Ripplemeyer Avenue. Community members should remain alert as the legal process for these incidents remains unresolved.
The takeaway
When a criminal case becomes inactive, families often turn to victim advocates for guidance on how to monitor future legal developments. Understanding the local solicitor's protocols can provide a clearer path for those seeking transparency.
Further reading
Find more information on local investigations at Columbia Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WACH.
