On Monday evening, April 13, 2026, a fatal shooting in Jackson, South Carolina, claimed the life of 17-year-old Kahlil Simmons, an Aiken resident who was weeks away from graduating high school. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Goodman Road in Aiken County, near Atomic Road and the Savannah River Nuclear Site.
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of two people being shot and discovered Simmons suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate emergency response, Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:13 p.m., according to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office.
Kahlil Simmons was described by his family as a vibrant, helpful, and hardworking young man who was at a pivotal moment in his life. His aunt remembered him with affection, saying “He was my sweetheart. Anything I needed, he’d come.” His cousin added, “Kahlil was, oh my god, he was vibrant. Every time he sees you, he’d give you a hug. He loved family and he always hugged his family and made sure we knew that he loved us.”
Just days before his death, Simmons celebrated his 17th birthday with family during the second weekend of April, a gathering filled with joy, basketball, conversation, laughter, and food. His family recalled the day as beautiful and meaningful, unaware it would be one of the last times they would see him alive.
The shooting also injured another male victim who was present at the scene. While Simmons died at the location, the second victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries. The condition and identity of the surviving victim were not disclosed in initial reports. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office deployed both bloodhounds and a drone team to search the area surrounding the shooting scene, indicating the scope and seriousness of the investigation.
The investigation into Simmons’ death has led to arrests and charges. According to reports, investigators arrested Jamereon Rahiem Griffin and at least one other teen in connection with the fatal shooting. The charges against the suspects reflect the severity of the incident and the determination of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable for Simmons’ death. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly established, and details about the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation remain under investigation.
The death of Kahlil Simmons has profoundly affected the Aiken County community. Goodman Road, where the shooting occurred, became lined with candles, hugs, and the color blue in honor of the young man whose life was cut short. Community members gathered to remember Simmons and express their grief over the loss of a teenager with so much potential ahead of him.
As the legal proceedings against the charged suspects continue, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office remain committed to ensuring justice for Kahlil Simmons and his family. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed in Newberry to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The case underscores the tragic reality that young lives can be cut short by violence and the importance of community support, violence prevention, and accountability in the criminal justice system. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-642-1761.