Jakari Simmons Ross, an 18-year-old Black male, was found dead in a crashed vehicle on Gabe Road in Pineville, South Carolina, on the afternoon of June 19, 2025. Deputies from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office responded around 4:30 p.m. after reports of a single-vehicle crash and discovered Ross inside the wreck.

Investigators determined the wreck was not a simple accident. The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office classified the death as a homicide after evidence indicated a shooting occurred and the vehicle subsequently crashed. Law enforcement opened a criminal investigation into the violent death.

On June 30, 2025, authorities announced the arrest of a 16-year-old, whose name is withheld because of age, charged in connection with the case. The juvenile faces counts including murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The sheriff noted concerns about rising juvenile violence as the investigation continues.

If anyone in Pineville or the surrounding area has information about the shooting or events leading up to June 19, please come forward.