In the early morning hours of September 2, 2023, the life of 42-year-old Simone L. Heyward, a Black/African American female, was tragically cut short in her North Charleston, South Carolina, home. Emergency responders arrived at her residence on Scotts Mill Drive to find a family member attempting to perform CPR. Despite these efforts, Heyward was pronounced dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a heated argument between Heyward and a man
identified as 41-year-old Jake Jerome Jenkins just before the sound of gunfire erupted. This account was further substantiated by footage from a Ring doorbell camera, which captured Jenkins entering Heyward's home and then fleeing shortly after the shots were fired.
Based on the witness statements and video evidence, the North Charleston Police Department swiftly apprehended Jake Jerome Jenkins without incident. He was subsequently charged with murder in connection with Simone Heyward's death. Investigators recovered a. 40-caliber pistol registered to Jenkins during their investigation. Jenkins was booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center to await a bond hearing as the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Office continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate Simone Heyward's life at a funeral service held on September 9, 2023, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. She was remembered for her warm personality and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.
