Christopher LaDarren Simmons Jr was killed in the early evening of May 19, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina. The 19-year-old was shot shortly after 6 p.m. in the 1500 block of Lorick Avenue and later died at a local hospital; the Richland County Coroner attributed his death to multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said the people involved knew one another, and detectives quickly identified and arrested a 14-year-old male. That juvenile was initially charged with unlawful carrying of a pistol and unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18. Simmons, born November 22, 1997, was known to family as Q-Ball and to friends as Lil Chris; his family recalled him as respectable, well-mannered, protective of his younger brothers and with an old soul. The investigation continued as authorities worked to determine the full circumstances and motive.

If anyone knew Christopher, was in the area of Lorick Avenue that evening, or has information about what led to the shooting, please come forward.