Columbia Police Department officers are investigating a murder that occurred at a local motel in North Columbia Tuesday afternoon.

Initially, officers responded to the InTown Suites located at 1633 Broad River Road shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, for a reported suspicious death. Motel employees found a deceased female inside a room and called 9-1-1.

After an autopsy conducted Wednesday morning, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts reported that 34-year-old Melissa F. Keith died from complications of blood loss due to sharp instrument wounds.

Investigators collected items from inside the motel room as part of evidence in the investigation.

Citizens with information about the incident are encouraged to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.