In the quiet community of Jackson, South Carolina, the evening of April 13, 2026, was shattered by an act of violence that claimed the life of 17-year-old Kahlil Simmons. Just one day after celebrating his birthday, the young man was fatally shot. Deputies from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 100 block of Goodman Road around 6:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered two male victims. Kahlil had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and head and was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:13 p.m. A second victim, a 16-year-old, was also shot and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation into the double shooting led to the arrests of five individuals. Eighteen-year-old Jared Grant Marsh II and 17-year-old Tyler Hans Lariscey were both charged with murder. Marsh faced an additional charge of possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. A third teen, 16-year-old Bradley Caulifford, was also charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He is being held at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The investigation also led to the arrests of two adults, 40-year-old Tarah Alexander and 40-year-old Bryan Alexander, who were both charged with accessory after the fact to murder. An arrest warrant indicated that Tarah Alexander was informed of the murder and subsequently disposed of the guns and clothing used during the incident.
While authorities have not released a motive for the shooting, there has been some suggestion that the suspects may claim self-defense. All the adult suspects were booked into the Aiken County Detention Center. The community has been left in shock and mourning over the loss of Kahlil, who was remembered as a high school student on the verge of graduating early. His family and friends gathered to honor his memory, wearing blue at a vigil held where he lost his life. Instead of preparing for a graduation party, his loved ones are now faced with arranging a celebration of his life. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges being filed.
