In the quiet, early morning hours of September 18, 2024, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at the Liberty Street Apartments in Johnsonville, South Carolina. When authorities arrived, they found that 14-year-old Jakari NyJurel Doctor, a Black male student at Johnsonville High School, had been fatally wounded. Known affectionately as "Jurel," Jakari was described by his loved ones as a young man who was very big on family and strived daily to be the best son, brother, and friend he could
be.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight. According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, a car driven by a woman pulled up at the apartment complex. A male passenger allegedly got out and fired multiple rounds into a parked car that was occupied by six people, including Jakari. After the shooting, Jakari and another victim, a woman in her twenties, were found with gunshot wounds on nearby Deerfield Road. Both were rushed to area hospitals, but Jakari succumbed to his injuries. The female victim was expected to recover.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and soon identified two individuals as suspects in the deadly shooting. On September 20, 2024, deputies arrested 19-year-old Yabriah Latia Lewis. She was booked into jail and charged with murder, several counts of attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy for her alleged role in the incident.
Authorities also identified 21-year-old Kalebsolik Daron Singletary as the second suspect and began a search for him. He was subsequently located and taken into custody. Singletary was also charged with murder in connection with Jakari Doctor's death. As of his arrest, both suspects were in custody and the case was proceeding through the legal system.
