In the quiet neighborhood of North Charleston, the night of January 12, 2025, was shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving a family and community devastated by the loss of 18-year-old Timothy Haynes. The young man was discovered in the driveway of a residence on Wales Court, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. In a heart-wrenching scene, his own mother was found attempting to save his life, performing CPR until first responders arrived.
Despite her desperate efforts, Haynes was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11:54 p.m. The incident was quickly classified as the city's first homicide of the year.
The investigation into the tragic shooting swiftly led to the apprehension of three suspects. The day after the incident, 20-year-old Camryn Ferrell Brown was taken into custody and charged with murder. A few days later, on January 16, a significant breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of two brothers, 21-year-old Frank Simmons and 20-year-old Christopher Simmons. They were apprehended by U.S. Marshals and faced charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. All three suspects were subsequently held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
As details of the investigation emerged, a narrative of a drug deal gone tragically wrong began to surface. It is believed that the altercation that led to the fatal shooting was linked to narcotics. Reports suggest that shortly before the gunshots rang out, Haynes had received a message asking him to meet someone outside. Witness accounts and surveillance footage painted a grim picture of the final moments of the young man's life. It was reported that Christopher Simmons held Haynes in a chokehold while Frank Simmons brandished a firearm. Following the confrontation, two individuals were seen fleeing the scene in a black sedan, which was later found after it had struck a pole. The community now mourns the loss of a young life cut short, as they await justice to be served.
