News Summary
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jy Querious Catoe in Rock Hill, SC. The incident, which occurred outside Adam’s Grocery, involved multiple shots fired from a vehicle, leaving Catoe dead and another victim injured. Authorities are considering prosecuting the teen as an adult, which could lead to significant prison time. The case has raised concerns about youth violence and gun possession in the community.
Rock Hill, SC – 16-Year-Old Arrested for Fatal Shooting
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting that occurred on July 7, outside Adam’s Grocery in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old Jy Querious Catoe, who was shot multiple times while seated in a vehicle that became an apparent target of gunfire.
The fatal shooting took place just before 10 p.m. when the accused, accompanied by 19-year-old A’montae Kevion Markise White—who is also charged—opened fire on Catoe and a second unnamed individual. Authorities reported that Catoe was shot at least twice in the head during the assault. The second victim attempted to escape the scene but was also subjected to gunfire.
The 16-year-old has been held at a South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice facility since his arrest, which occurred a day after the shooting. He faces serious charges including murder, attempted murder, and various weapons-related offenses. Notably, the teen had outstanding gun charges from prior incidents in 2024, indicating a concerning trajectory of criminal behavior.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Prosecutors are pushing to have the teenager tried as an adult, given the severity of the allegations. If the court agrees to prosecute him as an adult and he is convicted, he could face a minimum of 30 years in prison. In contrast, if the case is handled in juvenile court, he would face a maximum sentence of only 22 years upon conviction.
During his initial court appearance, the accused maintained silence and displayed no emotional response as he was escorted by deputies. The presiding judge emphasized the principle of “presumption of innocence,” reminding all present that the young defendant has not yet been found guilty.
Defense Strategy and Court Decisions
The defense team for the 16-year-old intends to challenge the efforts to prosecute him as an adult, highlighting key differences in developmental stages between minors and adults. The court has established a timeline for evaluations by state juvenile justice officials to assess whether the boy can be tried as an adult. This decision, expected to take months or even years to finalize, will heavily influence the young man’s future.
In addition to the juvenile suspect, A’montae Kevion Markise White has surrendered to authorities following the incident. White is currently held in the York County jail without bail, although no trial date has been set for him at this time.
Context of the Incident
The shooting incident has alarmed the local community, with officials describing the nature of the attack as “shocking.” Surveillance footage has captured the deliberate actions of the assailants during the incident, further raising concerns regarding gun violence in the area. The community’s anxiety is heightened by the knowledge that South Carolina law prohibits individuals under 18 from possessing handguns, yet the accused already faced previous gun-related charges.
Families of the victims were present during the court proceedings but opted not to speak. The ongoing case highlights the critical issues surrounding youth crime, the possession of firearms by minors, and the legal ramifications of violent behavior in young individuals.
As this case unfolds, the court’s rulings will not only determine the fate of the young accused but also reflect on the broader societal challenges around youth violence and accountability.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Shooting Incident
- WBTV: Teenager Seriously Hurt in Rock Hill Shooting
- WSOC TV: Police Investigating Shooting
- QC News: 17-Year-Old Shot and Killed
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
