In the small community of Pineville, South Carolina, a tragic event unfolded on the afternoon of June 19, 2025, forever altering the lives of those involved. Jakari Simmons Ross, an 18-year-old Black male, was found deceased in what initially appeared to be a single-vehicle accident on Gabe Road. Deputies from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene around 4:30 p.m. following reports of a car crash.
Upon their arrival, they discovered the young man inside the wrecked vehicle.
As investigators began to piece together the events of that day, it became evident that this was no ordinary car accident. The evidence at the scene suggested a more sinister cause, leading the Berkeley County Coroner's Office to classify the death as a homicide. It was determined that a shooting had occurred, which ultimately led to the vehicle crashing. The community was left in shock as the investigation into the violent death of the young Pineville resident began to unfold, with law enforcement dedicating their resources to finding who was responsible.
The investigation progressed, and on June 30, 2025, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office announced a significant development in the case: an arrest had been made. A 16-year-old, whose identity has been withheld from the public due to their age, was taken into custody in connection with the death of Jakari Simmons Ross. The teenage suspect faces a litany of serious charges, including murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Despite the arrest, authorities have continued their investigation into the circumstances and motive behind the shooting. Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis acknowledged the troubling increase in juvenile violence and affirmed that his office would utilize every available resource to ensure justice is served for such a senseless loss of life.
