Simone L. Heyward, 42, was shot to death in her North Charleston, South Carolina, home in the early morning hours of September 2, 2023. Emergency responders found a family member performing CPR; Heyward was pronounced dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound.

Witnesses said they heard a heated argument between Heyward and 41-year-old Jake Jerome Jenkins shortly before gunfire. Ring doorbell footage reportedly shows Jenkins entering Heyward’s home and leaving soon after shots were heard. Jenkins was arrested without incident and charged with murder; investigators recovered a .40-caliber pistol registered to him. He was booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center while the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office continued their work.

Family and friends held a funeral service for Heyward on September 9, 2023, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Wadmalaw Island, where she was remembered for her warm personality and dedication to loved ones. If anyone has information about what happened that morning or knew Simone, please share it with investigators.